Since that day in 2009, the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the European Union has grown exponentially, especially through collaborative activities with Operation ATALANTA. However, these collaborations are now far more frequent and fruitful than they were ten years ago; Operation ATALANTA’s regular port visits in Salalah and Muscat entail strategic meetings, joint responses to pirated ships off the coast of the Sultanate of Oman, maritime capacity building and training, information-sharing and various joint exercises and operations.

In October, current EU NAVFOR Somalia Operation ATALANTA Commander, Major General Antonio Planells Palau and EU Ambassador Michele Cervone d'Urso engaged Omani authorities at the highest level in the Oman-EU Roundtable Discussion on Maritime Cooperation in Muscat. The Roundtable Discussion gave EU NAVFOR Somalia and the Omani authorities—including the Head of the Omani Royal Navy, Commander Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi—the chance to discuss current affairs and explore opportunities for further cooperation with Operation ATALANTA.

“It is important to remember Operation ATALANTA assets are placed at the center of a dynamic, interactive network of military and civilian actors," said Operation ATALANTA Commander Major General Antonio Planells Palau in a speech at the Oman-EU Roundtable event. "Our relationships with our international partners are absolutely crucial to achieve our common objectives."