Maritime training and exercises with Somali partners are an extremely important aspect of the European Union’s integrated approach to help develop the capabilities of local maritime forces and to deter piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Following recent detailed discussions with Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Mahdi Ahmed Gulaid ‘Khadar’, it was the turn of the Mogadishu Military Police unit (MPU) to glean knowledge, experience and skills from their EU maritime colleagues on-board ESPS Castilla.

The event was co-organised with EU NAVFOR’s sister mission, EU CAP Somalia and the training included tactical briefings, weapon handling, safety and self-protection methods.

The enthusiasm and quest for knowledge of the MPU personnel was seen to be at its highest by the Sailors and Marines of EU NAVFOR. It shows the depth of respect and trust that both militaries have for each other whilst working towards the same goals of maritime security.