SPANISH, FRENCH AND ITALIAN PATROL BOATS IN THE ABIDJAN PORT

Sécurité maritime Tuesday 28 March 2023

The Ambassador of Spain in Côte d'Ivoire, HEM. Rafael SORIANO ORTIZ was received on Monday 17 October 2022, by the Managing Director of the Abidjan Port, Mr. Hien Yacouba SIÉ. The purpose of the visit of the diplomat was to present the Spanish patrol boat, the "RELÁMPAGO", and its crew led by Lieutenant Commander Alberto LIGERA, Commander of the ship.

Shortly thereafter, Colonel Emmanuel Yao COFFI, Director of Maritime Operations, Security and Environment (DOMSE) received successively a French delegation from the crew of the vessel called "GERMINAL", led by Captain of Frigate CHUN Jen, Commander of the vessel, and a delegation from the crew of an Italian vessel present in the Abidjan Port, the "MARLEGLIA", led by Mr. GIOVANNI Fedele, Deputy Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire.

It was an opportunity during these meetings of presenting their civility to the Port Authority.

Calling at the Abidjan Port, the presence of these European patrol boats is part of the military maneuvers of the Grand Africa Navy which took place from 11 to 16 October 2022, called "GANO 22".

It should be noted that these maneuvers, which were conducted under the supervision of France, have enabled the various navies of West and Central African countries, including that of Côte d'Ivoire, to strengthen their capacity to overcome the multifaceted criminalities in the Atlantic Ocean (maritime piracy, illegal fishing, etc.).