On Monday 24 June a meeting was held on board the EU Naval Force Portuguese flagship NRP Alvares Cabral, between members of the Somali Federal Government (SFG) and representatives from the European Union. This was the first ever meeting held at sea between the European Union and SFG, with a focus on how both can work together to help strengthen maritime security and economic development in Somalia.
Two other EU Naval Force warships, German frigate FGS Augsburg and Spanish warship, ESPS Numancia, together with a Spanish Maritime Patrol Aircraft, contributed to the preparation and coordination of this important event.
After arriving at Mogadishu International Airport, the Somali Ministers and EU representatives were flown out to the EU flagship, which was stationed about 5 miles off the Somali coast, by Portuguese and German Navy Lynx helicopters.
Given the on-going situation in Mogadishu City, as highlighted by the attack last week against the UN compound, a joint security operation was carried out between EU Naval Force and fellow EU missions, EUCAP NESTOR and EUTM, as well as with AMISOM Forces. This joint operation saw the SH-60B helicopter from ESPS Numancia and the Spanish Patrol Aircraft providing air surveillance and EUTM and AMISOM Forces providing security protection on the ground at Mogadishu International Airport.
The inaugural talks lasted for about an hour and were attended by 5 Somali delegates, the EU Special Envoy to Somalia, Operation Commander for EU Naval Force and the Head of Mission for EUCAP NESTOR.
EUCAP NESTOR is a civilian led European Union mission aimed at enhancing maritime capacities of countries off the Horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.
EU Naval Force deters, prevents and represses acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia. EU Naval Force ships protect World Food Programme vessels delivering aid to Somalia and AMISOM shipping. EU Naval Force ships also contribute to the monitoring of fishing activity off the Somali Coast.
EUTM Somalia trains Somali soldiers to help strengthen security and increase stability for the Somali people. EUTM provides advice, support and mentoring to Somali Governmental Authorities to aid capacity building in the training domain.