The visit was one of a series of visits B. Gen. Laurent has recently made to EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations since being appointed to EUMS Director of Operations. In the meeting, Cmdr. Vizinha Mirones, Force Commander of Operation ATALANTA’s 33rd rotation, introduced himself to the B. Gen. Laurent, and the two discussed Operation ATALANTA’s most recent updates and challenges. Several briefings were presented to B. Gen. Laurent to explain the various tasks and capabilities.
“Operation ATALANTA is an outstanding example of the maritime multilateralism required by the EU Maritime Security Strategy”, explained Cmdr. Vizinha Mirones at the meeting.
EU NAVFOR Somalia Operation ATALANTA deters piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast, protects World Food Programme-chartered vessels, monitors fishing activity in the region and supports others EU missions and international organisations.