With the longest coastline of continental Africa, Somalia has many maritime economic opportunities. It is the safe and secure Somali seas along with the guaranteed free flow of commerce that will be the catalyst for International Maritime Trade to serve the major regional ports.
The EU’s support to Somalia is based on the multi-agency Integrated Approach that includes EU NAVFOR, EU CAP, EU Training Mission and the EU Delegation in Somalia.
On 9th September, Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Mahdi Ahmed Gulaid ‘Khadar’ welcomed the EU Chargé d'Affaires, Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, who was accompanied by the EU NAVFOR Force Commander Rear Admiral Nanclares and the Deputy Head of Mission of EUCAP Somalia, Keith Murray, for discussions on Somali maritime security efforts. The wide-ranging conversation touched on how to address the different forms of maritime crime to allow Somalia's economy to flourish, while providing legitimate economic opportunities for coastal communities. The EU’s Integrated Approach to the development of Somalia’s economy, infrastructure and stability reinforces these efforts.
These high-level interactions are vital to ensure partners share a common understanding, and shows a clear determination of EU NAVFOR and her sister missions to support Somalia on her path to achieving increased stability and security, both at sea and on land.
Admiral Nanclares reiterated, “We are delighted to discuss maritime security and provide the Deputy Prime Minister with our current understanding of maritime threats off the coast of Somalia.” He went on to say, “It is essential to develop maritime security for the sake of Somalia’s Blue Economy, something that is a priority for the DPM and he has shown leadership in this field.” The Deputy Prime Minister previously visited then-Flagship ITS Margottini on 8th May in light of Europe Day.