EU Naval Force Deputy Operation Commander Visits Seychelles
The Deputy Operation Commander (DCOM) of EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR), Rear Admiral Eric Dupont recently visited the Republic of the Seychelles in support of the opening of the new EUCAP NESTOR Seychelles Office. During the visit Rear Admiral Dupont conducted joint talks with the Head of Mission of EUCAP NESTOR, Admiral Jacques Launay and senior members of the Seychelles Government and authorities, including the President of the Republic of the Seychelles, James Michel.
Admiral Dupont and Admiral Launay were accompanied on their visits by the French Ambassador, Her Excellency Geneviève Iancu, and the British High Commissioner, Her Excellency Lindsey Skoll.
Admirals Dupont and Launay, together with the British High Commissioner, French Ambassador, Commanding Officer of the EU NAVFOR warship FS Tonnerre and members of the Seychelles EUCAP NESTOR team (including its team leader, Fredrik Lindblom) then observed the joint EUCAP NESTOR, EU NAVFOR and Seychelles Coastguard counter piracy exercise from aboard the Seychelles Coastguard vessel Topaz.
DCOM also visited the Commanding Officer of the Seychelles People’s Defence Force, Brigadier Leopold Payet, as well as the Commanding Officer of the Seychelles Coastguard Lieutenant Colonel Georges Adeline.
He also visited the EU NAVFOR Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) from Luxembourg, as well as the FS Tonnerrre and French national forces deployed in the Seychelles.
Commenting on his visit to the Seychelles, Admiral Dupont said, “It has been a very busy, but very worthwhile visit. The Republic of the Seychelles is a key regional partner in the counter-piracy effort. This visit has highlighted our growing partnership with both the Seychelles government and EUCAP NESTOR. We have achieved a lot, but we must remember that the current low piracy rate is entirely reversible and we must all remember to not become complacent.”
“The fight against piracy, said President Michel has recorded many successes through the combined efforts of all partners. The attacks are less numerous. But this should not start our vigilance. We must not lower our guard because hackers can resurface at any time and disrupt maritime traffic in Seychelles waters. Your presence is essential. We appreciate the initiative taken by EUCAP Nestor and Atalanta to conduct a joint training exercise this week with our Coast Guard.”
Source: EU NAVFOR
