On Thursday 30 September, EU NAVFOR and NATO welcomed a delegation from the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) in Northwood’s headquarters (United Kingdom).

The aim of this visit was to give the delegation an update on the piracy threat in the Horn of Africa and to discuss the possible mechanisms to improve the actions of Task Force 465.

“To begin with, I would like to say that I am grateful, to the Operation Commander General Buster Howes for his courteous invitation, and to the Belgian Presidency for its contribution to the visit”, comments General Håkan SYRÉN, chairman of the EUMC.

“I have to say, that today, we, not only the EU but also NATO Military Representatives and other officials from both organisations, had a very necessary and fruitful meeting concerning military cooperation and coordination off the coasts of Somalia. We received fresh information and we exchanged views, under a common way of thinking and acting.

I am therefore convinced that by continuing our efforts and sailing together in the Gulf of Aden, we will improve the security environment and reduce the threat of piracy thus maintaining freedom of those sea lines of communication, which are of global significance.”

This meeting was an opportunity for both EU and NATO to identify future challenges for these Task Forces, at both operational and strategic levels.