The Spanish Navy ship ESPS ALVARO DE BAZAN, NATO’s counter-piracy flagship, wrapped up a visit to Dar es Salaam on February 16th. The visit was paid in support of the Tanzanian authorities’ efforts to curb piracy at sea.
The Commander of the Tanzanian Navy, Brigadier General Rogastian S. Laswai and the Chief of the Tanzanian Maritime Police, Assistant Commissioner J. S. Kasanga met with the Commander of NATO’s Task Force 508, Rear Admiral (ESP N) Eugenio Diaz del Rio to talk cooperation aspects and the Tanzanian Navy’s contribution to NATO’s operations. In addition, mutual training opportunities were discussed.
During the visit the Spanish frigate welcomed onboard numerous dignitaries for an official lunch. The guests included among others the Spanish Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Luis Cuesta Civis; the Turkish Ambassador, H.E. Ali Davutoglu; the Canadian High Commissioner, H.E. Alexandre Lévêque; the Deputy Head of the U.S. Mission, Mrs. Virginia Blaser; the Deputy Commander of the Tanzanian Navy, Brigadier General Hi Majumba; the Deputy Head of Spanish Mission, Mr. Juan Lueiro; and the Counsellor to the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Geir Michalsen.
Spanish Navy is at the Helm of NATO Counter-Piracy Operation Ocean shield since December last year, when the Spanish frigate ESPS ALVARO DE BAZAN, became the new NATO Operation OCEAN SHIELD task force flagship.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 18, 2014; Image: NATO ACO