During the transfer of six suspected pirates on 26th November, Rear Admiral Fabio Gregori took the opportunity to strengthen the relationship between with the President of the Republic of Seychelles His Excellency (H.E.) Danny Faure and Operation Atalanta.
Rear Admiral Gregori, Force Commander who is currently embarked on EU NAVFOR’s Flagship ITS Fasan also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Ambassador Yusuf-Garaad Omar and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Ambassador Barry Faure.
Later that day, the Force Commander met with Mr Claudio Izzi, the Head of Mission of the Italian Honorary Consulate in Victoria and then the Seychellois Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Leopold Payet.
On leaving Victoria, the Italian Crew of Fasan took the opportunity to conduct Search and Rescue exercises with Seychelles Coast Guard patrol ship Andromache and the Seychelles Air Force. The establishing of good communications and coordination activities remains a vital aspect of saving life at sea and responding to incidence in a competent and professional way.
Rear Admiral Gregori said: “Key relationships between the Seychelles authorities and EU NAVFOR enabled a very smooth transfer of suspects. Ongoing engagements such as these recent discussions following the transfer remain vital for future success in the management and suppression of pirate acts.”
EU NAVFOR remains committed to building regional relationship in deterring piracy and protecting vulnerable shipping off the coast of Somalia. So far over 1.6million tonnes of food aid have been delivered to the people of Somalia whilst EU NAVFOR warships and Aircraft remaining at sea to deter, repress and prevent piracy attacks on maritime trade transiting the region.