HIGH-LEVEL EVENT ON BOARD ATALANTA ASSETS IN SOMALIA

• Somali Prime Minister and senior government officials, the European Union Ambassador to Somalia and Operation ATALANTA Force Commander were present during the exercise.
• The Capacity Building training exercise for the Somali Coast Guard and the Mogadishu Maritime Police Unit took place on board Operation ATALANTA frigates in the vicinity of Mogadishu.

Mogadishu, Somalia, 30 April 2024 – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, accompanied by senior government officials, visited the EUNAVFOR ATALANTA assets off the cost of Mogadishu. In a gesture of honour, Prime Minister participated in the ceremonial parade aboard, received by EU Ambassador to Somalia, HE. Karin Johansson, and Operation ATALANTA’s Force Commander, Rear Admiral Francesco Saladino. The visit took place during an exercise organised by the EU Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP) with the Somali Police Force -Department of Coast Guard (SPF-DCG) on the 30 of April. This capacity building exercise was conducted on board EUNAVFOR ATALANTA frigates, the Italian ITS FEDERICO MARTINENGO, flagship of the Operation, and the Spanish ESPS CANARIAS. Following the exercise, the operational capabilities of the frigates were presented to the authorities.

During the event, the EU Ambassador to Somalia and the Somali Prime Minister emphasized the imperative of collaboration in addressing maritime threats and fostering stability in the region. The discussions between the two sides centred on EU-Somalia cooperation in maritime security, building upon previous requests from the January visit by ATALANTA Operation Commander, Vice Admiral Villanueva Serrano.

The presence of these ships and their crews signifies not only security but also a deep-seated spirit of cooperation, underscoring the strong relations between the EU and Somalia. With over 15 years of successful maritime security operations in the region, Operation ATALANTA stands as a solid partner to Somalia.

The extraordinary effort to carry out this important event has been led by the Operation ATALANTA Headquarters (OHQ) and coordinated by the EU Delegation to Somalia together with the ATALANTA Force Headquarters (FHQ). This on-board FHQ has been in charge of executing all the necessary activities. In addition, EUCAP Somalia and EU TM Somalia also participated.

Operation ATALANTA is a strong partner of the Federal Government of Somalia and a key provider of maritime security in the area. The close cooperation between the European Union and Somalia is of great value ensuring the best possible outcome in the area and this high-level event epitomizes the positive impact and steadfast commitment of Operation ATALANTA in symbolizing a brighter, safer future for Somali waters.

EUNAVFOR ATALANTA