During European Union counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden, Operation Atalanta’s Spanish Force Commander, Rear Admiral Rafael Fernández-Pintado Muñoz-Rojas, welcomed Rear Admiral Zhao Jicheng from the Chinese Escort Task Group on board ESPS Galicia.
Sailors from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy often greet EU Naval Force sailors in the Gulf of Aden during their counter-piracy patrols and the PLA Navy has helped to protect World Food Programme (WFP) vessels as they transit close to the Somali coast to deliver much-needed aid in to Somali ports.
After being briefed on the EU’s efforts to ensure Somali-based pirates remain suppressed, Rear Admiral Jicheng and his delegation were given a tour of the Spanish warship and introduced to members of the ship’s company and Force HQ staff.
Source: EU Navfor