Cooperation and coordination is a fundamental approach in the Western Indian Ocean as we work towards maritime security. The Force Commander of EU NAVFOR’s Operation Atalanta recently highlighted the EU’s support to the coordination of counter-piracy effort in the Western Indian Ocean region in a meeting with the Chief of Staff of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) and the EU and Italian Ambassadors.

EU NAVFOR warship ESPS Carlo Margottini arrived in the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on the morning of 28^th May. Rear Admiral Simone Malvagna discussed with Lieutenant General Yakubu Hassan Mohamed TPDF, His Excellency Roeland Van De Geer (EU Ambassador) and His Excellency Roberto Mengoni (Italian Ambassador) the importance of regional partnerships, sharing information and achieving synergies to improve efficiency in counter-piracy operations. The Force Commander also took the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the counter-piracy capabilities of the Tanzanian Navy and how it contributes to the maritime security of the region.

On the same day as the visit, crew members of the Margottini provided training in friendly approach and vessel boarding procedures to personnel of the Tanzanian Navy. This Maritime Capacity Building (MCB) activity is one of many that have been conducted by units of EU NAVFOR in Western Indian Ocean countries to assist with the development of regional maritime capabilities and follows a visit by EU NAVFOR sister ship ESPS Meteoro.

Activities and engagements such as these will lead to increased stability and security in the Western Indian Ocean. A more stable maritime environment will allow international vessels to transit more safely through the Gulf of Aden and around the Horn of Africa with a reduced threat from piracy, and it will allow East African countries to become more prosperous by enabling them to develop their ‘blue economies.’