The frigate ‘Canarias’ is carrying out operational, diplomatic, and social cooperation activities during its port call in Mombasa

• The Spanish vessel called at Kenya during its deployment as part of Operation Atalanta to combat piracy in the Horn of Africaa

The frigate *Canarias*, part of the European Union’s Operation *EUNAVFOR Atalanta*, has docked in the port of Mombasa (Kenya), where it has carried out an intensive program to promote the external support provided by Spain and the European Union in the region.

As part of one of the key missions to protect ships under the United Nations World Food Programme, the crew of the frigate *Canarias* paid a visit to the merchant vessel *Ocean Benefit*, one of the ships currently serving in that fleet for delivering humanitarian aid. Both ships met in the port of Mombasa and took the opportunity to conduct a visit and explore aspects such as the measures taken to prevent incidents of piracy and to deal with them more effectively if they arise.

The crew also welcomed aboard the Spanish Ambassador to Kenya, Jaime Alejandro Moreno Bau, who gained a first-hand insight into the ship’s capabilities, accompanied by the Consul in Mombasa. During the visit, the two authorities exchanged views on the overall strategic situation in the region.

In collaboration with local organisations, the crew distributed school supplies to schools and missionary communities in several areas of the country. One of these local communities had the opportunity to board and visit the frigate.

Another of the activities carried out focused on promoting sport and its values among young people, as well as interaction between such different cultures. To this end, a one-nautical-mile race was organised on the dock itself between runners from a university in Mombasa and members of the ship’s crew.

Having completed its port call, the frigate ‘Canarias’ resumed its voyage to continue its mission of contributing to freedom of navigation and the eradication of piracy in the Horn of Africa.