Rear Admiral Bartolome Bauza told the media after the meeting that they discussed various issues related to the fight against piracy and Seychelles’ efforts to protect its territory from this scourge.

Mr Bauza, who was also accompanied by the French ambassador to Seychelles Phillippe Delacroix, said his meeting with Mr Michel is proof of the trust that the EU has in the authorities for their continuing cooperation in the fight against piracy.

“The problem of piracy cannot be addressed only by military means, but it needs the cooperation of all the partners in the region,” said Mr Bauza.

He thanked the local authorities for all their support and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation the Atalanta operation is getting from countries of the region.

“You are fully committed to this effort,” he said.
Mr Bauza praised the high level of cooperation between Navfor and the Seychelles coast guard. He said information flows very well, and the desire to combat piracy is very strong.

He also commended the work of all the people at sea who, he said, are doing a very important job.

With the increase in attacks, Mr Bauza said the greatest challenge and most acute problem remains the expanse of ocean they have to patrol, but they will continue to engage as many partners as possible to help them better coordinate their efforts.

Asked whether Operation Atalanta plans to increase its presence in the region in view of the recent increase in pirate attacks, Mr Bauza said one of their missions remains to provide safe passage to vessels.

“Within our resources and limitations we are taking a more proactive role in addressing this problem,” he said.
He pointed out that in the past two weeks the EU force has disrupted 11 attempted pirate attacks, which means we are slowly getting a safer Indian Ocean.