On Wednesday 4^th April, 2018, Rear Admiral (RADM) Simone Malvagna, EU NAVFOR Force Commander (FCDR), met with Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Djiboutian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

During the visit, the Admiral also had the opportunity to meet Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh of the Djiboutian Coast Guard and Colonel Abdourahman Aden Cher of the Djiboutian Navy. Discussions took place on the latest maritime security risks across the region and EU NAVFOR’s effort to support maritime capabilities of regional states like Djibouti. Colonel Aden Cher previously said: “Operation Atalanta has helped to reassure and develop a more robust maritime security situation close to the Djiboutian coastline and further out to sea.  We really appreciate your efforts.”

RADM Alfonso Nanclares, Deputy Commander of EU NAVFOR, accompanied the FCDR during the visits.

Djibouti is a key supporter of Operation Atalanta, providing logistical support to two Maritime Patrol Aircraft currently operated by Spain and Germany under the command of the FCDR. It is also host to the Support Element Atalanta team currently under the command of Captain Philippe Dezoteux of the French Navy.