European Union’s top foreign affairs representative Catherine Ashton, has praised the EU Naval Task force (EUNAFOR), which has been battling piracy off the coast of Somalia. ”Operation EU NAVFOR/ATALANTA continues to be a highly-successful mission, proving a great success in security and defence cooperation in both the EU and with our partner maritime coalitions,” Baroness Ashton said in a statement issued here Monday.

Ashton, the EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Affairs, accompanied by General Haken Syren, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, visited the EU NAVFOR Operational Headquarters to receive an update on the ongoing operations.

The official met the staff from the 27 nations which support the EU mission.

The naval task force works towards the protection of shipping off Somalia and conducts counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, the Somali Basin and western Indian Ocean.

Rear Admiral Duncan Potts, the Operations Commander, received the visiting delegation and led a series of briefings, which focussed on the continually evolving EU operation and highlighted the 100 per cent success of escorting World Food Programme ships with food-aid for Somalia.

Ashton said the operation continued to be a significant force for good in the region and was making a significant impact on the fight against piracy.

'The ships and personnel deployed by the European Union are delivering reassurance to the merchant shipping community and providing some much-needed stability in the region,” she added.

Pana 23 Août 2011