Force Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, Rear Admiral Milos Argenton (IT-N), welcomed the Commander of the Port of Djibouti, Captain Mohamed Moussa Abar, onboard the Italian Frigate BERGAMINI on 6 July 2026, according to a press release from the EU Naval Force Operation ASPIDES. The visit underscores collaboration between the EU-led operation and international partners to enhance maritime security and regional stability in vital sea routes.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, launched in February 2024, is an EU defensive maritime security operation in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and the surrounding waters, aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation and protecting vessels from attacks. The operation involves contributions from several EU member states, with Italy providing the frigate BERGAMINI as part of the naval task force. Djibouti, strategically located at the entrance to the Red Sea, hosts key military bases and serves as a critical logistics hub for international maritime missions.
The meeting between Rear Admiral Argenton and Captain Abar focused on strengthening cooperation between EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and Djiboutian port authorities, facilitating coordinated responses to maritime threats such as piracy and attacks on commercial shipping. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss operational coordination and information sharing to ensure the security of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a chokepoint for global trade.
This engagement reflects the EU's broader strategy to build partnerships with littoral states in the region, enhancing the effectiveness of its maritime security operations. The collaboration is expected to contribute to the safety of merchant vessels transiting the area, benefiting EU and international shipping companies, as well as regional economies dependent on maritime trade. For Djibouti, closer ties with EUNAVFOR ASPIDES may bolster its role as a regional security hub and attract further investment in port infrastructure.
No specific follow-up actions or future meetings were announced in the press release.