Rota, January 10, 2023 - the designated Force Commander (FCDR) of Operation AGENOR, Captain Renaud Flamant (Belgium), paid a visit to the Operation Headquarters (OHQ) of the European Union Naval Force Operation ATALANTA, located in the Rota Naval Base (Spain).
During the visit, the FCdr had the opportunity to hold an office call with the Operation Commander (OPCDR) of EUNAVFOR, Vice Admiral (VADM) José María Nuñez Torrente (Spain). Following this meeting, the FCdr attended a presentation on the current status of Operation ATALANTA and the way ahead, ending with a guided tour of the OHQ facilities.
This visit is part of the close relations between the two operations and the building of synergies to improve their efficiency and interoperability. Indeed, Council decision (CSFP) 2022/2441 of 12 December 2022 calls for the opening of a “dialogue with the European-led Maritime Situation Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASOH) initiative and its military component, Operation Agénor in order to develop further links and synergies”.
Furthermore, on 29 October the EUNAVFOR OPCDR also visited the EMASoH initiative, and to Operation Agenor, in Abu Dhabi (UAE). The OPCDR held a meeting with the EMASoH Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Slaars (France), and the Senior Civilian Representative and Head of the Political pillar of EMASoH, H.E. Brix Tange (Denmark). Advantageous discussions about how to enhance the partnerships and new ways of cooperation were held.
Both operations already have established links to exchange information, optimize the deployment of assets or conduct joint activities at sea, evidence of the wide and useful range of cooperative activities. These official high-level visits reflect an opportunity to foster relations and seek new paths for interactions and synergies between Operations that share not only contributing nations but also common values.
This European partnership is a perfect example of common efforts to preserve maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean, upholding the respect of international law and providing freedom of navigation in the region.
EMASoH is a maritime security initiative led by 9 European countries in the Strait of Hormuz to promote safe transit and freedom of navigation for merchant shipping, being Operation AGENOR its military pillar.