On 9 October, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell visited the Spanish frigate NAVARRA moored in Muscat, Oman.

The High Representative underlined the importance of ATALANTA as a maritime security provider in the region and as an effective tool in the framework of the EU Naval diplomacy, EU Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) - Operation Atalanta reported.

For 15 years, EUNAVFOR has adapted to the new demands of the complex area of operations, from counter-piracy to becoming a reliable maritime security provider. The Sultanate of Oman is one of the actors proving continued support to the operation as mentioned by Mr. Borrell.

He was accompanied by some Ambassadors from the European Union countries and other authorities, H.E Ms Ángeles Moreno Bau, Vice-Minister, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain and the Operation Commander of ATALANTA, Vice Admiral José M. Núñez Torrente.

On behalf of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa Alharthy, Undersecretary for Political Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman accompanied the delegation during the visit. He also highlighted the excellent relationship of the European Union with Oman.

This is the second visit of the High Representative to an Operation ATALANTA vessel. In mid-September last year, he visited the flagship vessel of the operation at that time.

The visit comes within the framework of the 27th session of the Joint Ministerial Council between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU), which was held Tuesday in Muscat.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC) at the Academy for Strategic and Defence Studies, also received at Bait Al Falaj Garrison Monday Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed several topics of mutual interest, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of the Oman Mission to the EU, senior SAF Officers and the NDC Guidance Board.

The EU Official delivered a lecture on strategies of security and defence. He touched on the current international political and security situations and cooperation between the EU and the GCC, as well as global geopolitical developments and changes.

The lecture was attended by NDC Commandant, the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium, Head of the Oman Mission to the European Union, senior SAF officers, the NDC Guidance Board and participants of the 11th National Defence Course. (EUNAFVFOR; ONA; Photo © EURNAVFOR)