High Representative Catherine Ashton (High Representative of EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy) visits EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation Atalanta

Apr 19, 2010 - 17:04
On the morning of 19th April EU NAVFOR Operational Head Quarters hosted a visit by the High Representative of the EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Right Honourable the Baroness Ashton. Also participating in the visit was General Hakan Syren, the chairman of the European Union Military Committee (EUMC).

Baroness Ashton was greeted by Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE, Operational Commander of EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA. During their visit the delegation was given an operational briefing on EU NAVFOR’s mandated tasks to protect ships of the World Food Programme and, in particular, its fight against piracy. They visited the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) which houses the Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa (MSCHOA). Baroness Ashton and General Syren had the opportunity to meet several of the international staff from many EU member states, including the civilian Merchant Navy representatives who work within MSCHOA.

Baroness Ashton stated that: ''Operation EUNAVFOR-Atalanta is a flagship of excellence in EU cooperation in security and defence. The operation has been a major success in the fight against piracy and has played a key role in providing much-needed stability in the region.''

The Baroness added that she plans to visit the region very soon to see the operation at first hand.

EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the ‘World Food Program’ (WFP) and vessels of AMISOM, and to protect vulnerable ships in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EUNAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

Film from the visit on Youtube

 

 

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