NATO’s Operation OCEAN SHIELD Force Commander, Norwegian Commodore Henning Amundsen met with the Commander of the Chinese Maritime Forces ETG 999, Rear Admiral Jiang Zhonghua on board the NATO Flagship HNoMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN this Sunday, 15 September, 2013.
Although this is the eighth time the two naval forces have met, this is the first time the two commodores have got together. The meeting provided an opportunity for the two commanders, together with their key staff, to share information between NATO and the Chinese Navy and discuss counter-piracy tactics and procedures.
The two commanders agreed on strenghtening their cooperation by sharing information in regards to development of the situation at sea and engagement of naval operations in the Indian Ocean.
”We share a common goal to ensure the safety of merchant ships by being present in the area and to counter piracy,” said Amundsen. “It is important for NATO to maintain a close relationship with the forces and independent deployers in the area, as cooperation is essential to protect the mariners transiting the Gulf of Aden. I am looking forward to further cooperation with Rear Admiral Jiang Zhonghua and the Chinese Maritime Forces.”
[mappress] Press Release, September 19, 2013; Image: NATO ACO