At the end of May the EU Naval Force flagship, FGS Brandenburg, made a port visit to the island of Mayotte.
Uniquely, Mayotte is the only part of the European Union located inside Operation ATALANTA’s area of operations.
Mayotte, which is located in the south west corner of the Indian Ocean, became an ‘overseas administrative department’ of France in March 2011 following the result of a referendum. Previously, the archipelago had held the status of ‘overseas territory of France’.
During the port visit, the EU Force Commander, Rear Admiral Jürgen zur Mühlen, took the opportunity to visit the Secrétaire général de la préfecture de Mayotte, Francois Chauvin and discussed the role of Operation Atalanta and possible cooperation between the EU Naval Force and French forces in Mayotte.
Both sides also emphasized the special relationship and strong friendship that exists between the German and French Forces.
[mappress] Press Release, June 04, 2014; Image: EU NAVFOR Somalia