EU NAVFOR Task Force Headquarters Vessel Meets Local Authorities During Djibouti Port Visit.

Jan 11, 2010 - 14:20
After almost three weeks patrolling in the Gulf of Aden, EU NAVFOR Flagship ITS ETNA called in to DJIBOUTI on the 7th of January 2010, for two days.

This short visit was supported by the EU and French Ambassadors in Djibouti and the Task Force Commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero took this opportunity to meet a large number of local authorities. These included the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Equipment and Transport, Defence, Director of Internal Security and the United Nation High Commissioner Representative for Refugees in Djibouti.

The Task Force Commander acknowledged and thanked Djiboutian support of the operation for the planned deployment of its Coast Guard as well as provision of base areas for the EU NAVFOR Logistic Support Areas and air Maritime Patrol Area base. Djibouti has offered EU NAVFOR permission to transfer suspected pirates through its territory from EU NAVFOR Units to Kenya or third State for subsequent prosecution. A Djiboutian Naval Officer will be attached to the Task Force as an interpreter during operations.

The Task Force Commander confirmed the Operation ATALANTA tasks of protect of all vulnerable shipping transiting the area. He specified that the ATALANTA Mission is only one part of the European Union comprehensive approach, including political, humanitarian and security aspects, to a lasting achievement to peace and stability.
EU NAVFOR SOMALIA Operation ATALANTA main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP), to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy.

 

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