Whilst conducting counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia, Operation Atalanta flagship, ESPS Galicia, hosted a number of local leaders on board. Meetings such as this help to build mutual trust and understanding between counter-piracy forces and the Somali population.
The leaders were greeted and welcomed on board by the ESPS Galicia’s Commanding Officer and the EU Force Commander. During the discussions, the Somali leaders highlighted a number of issues that they are facing, including the negative impact that the crisis in Yemen is having on their local economy and concerns about illegal fishing off the coast.
The Somali leaders stated they were truly grateful for the work that Operation Atalanta was doing to deter and disrupt piracy off the coast.
