On Thursday 11 July, Commodore Jorge Novo Palma, who is the Force Commander embarked in the EU Naval Force’s counter piracy flagship, NRP Álvares Cabral, welcomed on board Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai and a delegation from the Chinese PLA Navy. Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai commands the Chinese PLA Navy Escort Task Group from his flagship PLANS Harbin. At the same time, a delegation from the EU NAVFOR Force Headquarters paid a visit to the PLANS Harbin.
During the meeting, which took place at sea in the Gulf of Aden, both Force Commanders shared their perspectives on the counter-piracy efforts in the region. They both agreed that co-operation is an essential element for mission success, which was highlighted recently by the coordinated escort of a World Food Programme vessel through the High Risk Area by both the Chinese PLA Navy and an EU Naval Force warship.
Helicopters from both task forces were used to transfer persons between the two warships, demonstrating the interoperability between EU and Chinese military assets at sea; a capability that could be further enhanced in the future.
Towards the end of the meeting, Commodore Jorge Novo Palma stated “The success of counter-piracy efforts is founded in the resolute military pressure and in the improving co-operation between forces operating in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa region”. He added: “Meeting with Rear Admiral Yuan Yubai and having the opportunity for our staff to share their knowledge and experiences of the evolution of the situation in their respective areas, is key if we are to sustain and further develop the established levels of co-operation and mutual support.”