Whilst conducting counter-piracy patrols off the coast of Somalia, Operation Atalanta flagship, ESPS Galicia, hosted a number of local leaders on board.

These meetings helps to create a mutual trust and understanding between counter-piracy forces and the Somali population.

The leaders were greeted and welcomed on board by the EUNAVFOR Task Force Commander (also COMGRUEUROMAFOR) and by the Commanding Officer of ESPS Galicia. 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.

ESPS Galícia, from Spanish Navy, is the flagship of EUROMARFOR Task Group integrated in EUNAVFOR Task Force for Atalanta Operation.