The ‘Victoria’ frigate receives on board leaders from the Somali region of Galmudug

·        The ship will be part of the EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) until February

During the development of its anti-piracy patrol along the east coast of Somalia, the frigate 'Victoria' has received on board a group of leaders from the coastal towns located at the Galmudug region. After being received by the ship's Commander and Captain of the frigate, Pedro Márquez de la Calleja, local leaders have met in the officer chamber with several members of the Spanish frigate crew and a representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), where they were able to discuss the situation and the state of maritime security in the area.

The celebration of this type of meetings with local leaders is crucial to increase awareness of the situation and the pattern of life in the coast. These meetings also reinforce cooperation and mutual trust between the units of the European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ‘Atalanta’ and Somali people. In addition, being a member of the UNODC on board of the ‘Victoria’ frigate shows the close collaboration between the EUNAVFOR and this UN agency.

Being part of the Operation Atalanta from 5^th  November, the frigate “Victoria” is participating for the fourth time in the European Union Force. Its mission is to prevent acts of piracy, protect World Food Programme vessels and vulnerable traffic, monitor fishing activities in the Somali basin and contribute to improving maritime safety in the Indian Ocean.