A delegation from EU NAVFOR Force Headquarters made a successful visit to the Chief of the Yemeni Coast Guard and Deputy Commander of the Yemeni Navy. The visit was a follow up on HNLMS JOHAN DE WITT’s earlier visit to Yemen and also in preparation for further co-operation between EU NAVFOR and Yemen.
A few weeks ago, HNLMS JOHAN DE WITT conducted a joint training exercise with the Yemeni Coast Guard. Increased co-operation and information sharing between EU NAVFOR and the regional states is important for the success of Operation ATALANTA and other maritime safety and security issues. Strong partnership between the International community and the regional nations is the long term solution to piracy in the region. The delegation was enthusiastically welcomed by the Yemeni authorities. This event has enhanced the growing co-operation and understanding between the Yemeni authorities and the Task Forces operating in the region, EU NAVFOR, the Combined Maritime Force – CTF 151 and the NATO Task Force.
EU NAVFOR Somalia – Operation ATALANTA’s main tasks are to escort merchant vessels carrying humanitarian aid of the World Food Programme (WFP) and vessels of African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM and to protect vulnerable vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean and to deter and disrupt piracy. EU NAVFOR also monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.