The Dutch EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta Flagship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, has hosted the Contact Group of Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) during the Counter Piracy Week in the port of Djibouti.
The 150 delegates from over twenty countries visited the Dutch warship, alongside Djibouti. Government representatives from all over the world took the opportunity to see how the EU Naval Force and other counter piracy forces are contributing to the fight against piracy. The event took place 11 November.
The guests were welcomed on board by the Force Commander of EU counter piracy Operation Atalanta, Commodore Peter Lenselink, from the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Good Cooperation in Countering Piracy
In his opening speech, Commodore Lenselink emphasised the good cooperation between all those involved in countering piracy. ‘Uniquely we are working together to take counter piracy to the next level,’ stated the Force Commander, characterising the EU Comprehensive Approach and cooperation with the different counter piracy Task Forces and nation states in the region.
‘A Maritime Unit that Breathes Counter Piracy’
After the welcome, the participants were given an extensive briefing on Operation Atalanta as well as a capacity briefing of HNLMS Johan de Witt including a tour of the warship, that the Force Commander called ‘a maritime unit that breathes counter piracy’ in his opening speech.
The day concluded with a reception in the hangar of the EU Naval Force Flagship, in order for all delegates to exchange their knowledge and experience on counter piracy.
Counter Piracy Week
The Counter Piracy Week is an initiative by the CGPCS, an international group which aims to facilitate the discussion and coordination of actions amongst states and organisations to suppress piracy off the coast of Somalia.
During this week, the involved parties will gather to discuss the future of counter piracy in the region.
Picture: EU Naval Force Operation Atalanta Flagship, HNLMS Johan de Witt, has hosted the Contact Group of Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) (picture by EU Navfor).
