For the first time, the Operation Commander (OPCDR) of European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente, visited Egypt earlier this month.
The aim of the visit was to explore possibilities for the future cooperation between the Egyptian Naval Forces and Operation ATALANTA.
During his visit, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, H.E. Christian Berger, welcomed the OPCDR. Ambassador Berger explained the significance of an intensified security cooperation between the European Union and Egypt. They had a brief exchange on possible activities that the Egyptian Navy and EUNAVFOR could develop.
At the Headquarters of the Egyptian Naval Forces in Alexandria, the Commander of the Egyptian Navy, Lieutenant General Ashraf Ibrahim Atwa Megahed, received the OPCDR and Ambassador Berger. Vice Admiral Núñez expressed his wish to enhance the cooperation with the Egyptian Navy, a key player in maritime security in the Red Sea and North-West Indian Ocean. After a tour to ENY Mahroussa, historic yacht of the Egyptian Navy, to ENS Anwar El Sadat, one of the two Egyptian Helicopter Carriers (Mistral-class) and to ENS Al-Galala of the 1st Brigade of Destroyers, Lieutenant General Ashraf Ibrahim hosted Vice Admiral Núñez and Ambassador Berger for lunch.
This visit took place in the context of the close relationship between Egypt and the EU. Furthermore, on 23 June 2023, the Chairman of the EU Military Committee, General Robert Brieger had a working visit to the country, when he met the Minister of Defence, General Mohamed Zaki. During the meeting, potential cooperation between the Egyptian Navy and Operation ATALANTA was briefly discussed. In the same month, the EUNAVFOR Force Commander visited the country with an ATALANTA vessel for the first time, and only one week ago, the current flagship of the Operation paid a visit to the Egyptian Red Sea Naval Base in Safaga.
After the latest mandate amendment, the Northern Red Sea is part of the Area of Operation. In this context, the cooperation with Egypt is essential to improve maritime security and enhance maritime awareness architecture in the area of operations.
