VADM José M. Núñez Torrente presents the Operation in the symposium for Japan-EU cooperation for maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
15 to 17 March 2023 - Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente (Spanish Navy), EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Commander (OPCDR) and Ambassador Michael Pulch, Senior Coordinator, EU Coordinated Maritime Presence North West Indian Ocean, participated in the symposium co-hosted by the Security Studies Program at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation together with the Delegation of EU to Japan and ESIWA* to discuss the role of the EU, and perspectives of Japan-EU maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The EU has been an important partner since Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) started anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden, and in recent years, based on the "EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific" and the “EU Maritime Security Strategy”, the EU is increasing the participation in the maritime security framework in the Indo-Pacific region. This symposium provided an opportunity to understand and assess the EU as a security provider in the Indo-Pacific region even in the time of the Russia's war in Ukrainian.
“EU NAVFOR ATALANTA is on the path to becoming a comprehensive Maritime Security Provider, protecting sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation from the Strait of Hormuz to Suez Canal. This endeavour and the close cooperation with our partners will contribute to achieving a Free and Open Indo-Pacific” OPCDR said.
Also, in a move aimed at further facilitating joint naval activities between the European Union (EU) and Japan, EU NAVFOR OPCDR and General Koji Yamazaki, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff of Japan’s Self-Defence Forces, signed in Tokyo on 15 March a new Administrative Arrangement for communication and coordination on joint anti-piracy exercises. This agreement is a new landmark in the excellent relations between Japan and the EU.
In recent years, this commitment has been implemented through several joint activities carried out by EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta and Japan’s Deployment Surface Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement off the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden (DPSA). This new arrangement between the two parties establishes a common framework to facilitate communication and coordination during future joint naval exercises.
In addition, the EU NAVFOR OPCDR and the EU Ambassador Pulch had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Defense and with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Saito at the Yokosuka Naval Base. This was a unique opportunity to express their gratitude for the excellent relationships at the operational level, share priorities and challenges for ATALANTA, and enhance the interactions of both naval forces at sea.
* "Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA)" is EU's project to promote security cooperation with Asian countries. This project aims to develop partnerships with Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore and Vietnam in areas such as maritime security, crisis management, cyber/anti-terrorism, and others.
