STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND EXERCISES ON MARITIME SECURITY BETWEEN EUROPEAN UNION AND SOMALIA ON BOARD OPERATION ATALANTA FLAGSHIP

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09.08.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to SOMALIA

STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT AND EXERCISES ON MARITIME SECURITY BETWEEN EUROPEAN UNION AND SOMALIA ON BOARD OPERATION ATALANTA FLAGSHIP

© EUDEL Somalia

On the 3rd, 7th and 8th of August, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) jointly conducted training exercises with Somali maritime security forces.

On the 7^th of August, ATALANTA Force Commander, Rear Admiral Manuel Alvargonzález hosted a high-level delegation including the EU Ambassador to Somalia, H.E. Ms Karin Johansson, the Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic of Somalia, Mr Abdihakim Mohamed Yusuf and the Head of EUCAP Somalia, Mr. Kęstutis Lančinskas on board Frigate ESPS NUMANCIA. This event provided an excellent opportunity discussing strategic issues on maritime security and how to take this important collaboration further.

Operation ATALANTA and EUCAP Somalia regularly conduct trainings with Somali maritime forces to increase the level of operability. On this occasion, the training was held with the Somali Police Force - Department of the Coast Guard, the Somali Navy Coast Guard, and the Puntland Maritime Police Forces. The exercises were based on different tactical situations where trainees had e.g. to practise boarding, personnel identification and detention procedures.

EUCAP Somalia is a civilian crisis management mission that has been in operation since 2016. The Mission supports the development of the Somali maritime security sector, rule of law and wider police capacity. Operation ATALANTA's active presence since more than 15 years is a true testament of the EU's capacity and readiness to act as a key maritime security provider and to support and assist the Federal Republic of Somalia in true partnership.