During his visit to Oman, the High Representative, Josep Borrell paid a visit to the Spanish frigate NAVARRA, one of the assets of the European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA.
On 9 October, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP), Mr. Josep Borrell, visited the Spanish Frigate NAVARRA, moored in Muscat, Oman. This visit took place in the framework of the HR/VP´s trip to Oman to chair the Joint Council of the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Mr. Borrell was received on board by the Operation Commander, Viceadmiral Jose M. Nuñez Torrente, and H.E Ms Ángeles Moreno Bau, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also attended the Spanish Ambassador to Oman, some Foreign Ministers and Ambassadors from the European Union Members States and other distinguished omani guests
The High Representative underlined the importance of ATALANTA as a maritime security provider in the region and as an effective tool in the framework of the EU Naval diplomacy. For 15 years, EUNAVFOR has adapted to the new demands of the complex area of operations, expanding its mandate from counter-piracy, that remains at its core, to becoming a reliable maritime security provider. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the key actors for the Operation, providing continued support and receiving frequent port visits as mentioned by the High Representative.
On behalf of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, accompanied the delegation during the visit, highlighting during his speech the excellent relationship of the European Union with Oman and its commitment with peace and security.
This is the second visit paid by the High Representative to an Operation ATALANTA vessel. In mid-September last year, he visited the Operation flagship at that time, also a Spanish Frigate, showing the relevance of the Operation for the external action of the EU in the region.
