Operation Atalanta’s Italian flagship, ITS Virginio Fasan, recently spent time alongside in the port of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.  This marks the fourth visit of EU NAVFOR warships to the Sultanate of Oman this month.

During the visit, the Force Commander (FCDR), Rear Admiral Gregori, was invited to spend time with His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, the Governor of Muscat. The visit was an opportunity to update His Excellency about Operation Atalanta and the EU Naval Force’s continuing efforts to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

In order to strengthen the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and EU NAVFOR, the FCDR met with the Commander of the Omani Coast Guard in Muscat, Brigadier Bader bin Khalfan Al Zadjali.  In the attendance of the Italian Ambassador to Oman, H.E Giorgio Visetti, the FCDR and members of ITS Fasan FHQ provided an overview on the security situation in the Gulf of Aden and in particular Operation Atalanta’s activities.

The visit provided an opportunity for an exchange of views and to discuss opportunities for further engagements.  It is vital for Operation Atalanta to work closely with regional partners in order to help ensure that the waters of the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remain safe for all seafarers, with no hiding place for pirates.