16 October 2019—During a port visit in the Seychelles this week, Operation ATALANTA Force Commander Rear Admiral Armando Paolo Simi met with key leaders in the region to strengthen various partnerships. The engagements included meetings with French Ambassador H.E. Mr. Dominique Mas, EU Ambassador Mr. Vincent Degert, Attorney General Mr. Frank Ally and Leading Prosecutor for Piracy Mr. George Thachett.
Developing partnerships with key nations in the area of operations ensures a clear focus on maintaining maritime security. This also allows Operation ATALANTA to share vital information and resources across a vast operational area. Seychellois authorities work with EU NAVFOR Somalia and the United Nations on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as part of the legal finish for counter-piracy operations. With the Seychelles being an archipelago of 115 islands, safe seas are of utmost importance for the economy and security of the nation. Being able to correctly process and prosecute criminals creates an effective deterrent and ensures a safer environment for seafarers.