European External Action Service

07/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/17/2026 12:40

HR/VP Kaja Kallas Visits EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in Djibouti

On 16 July, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of Operation ASPIDES, welcomed the EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and an EU delegation onboard the Italian Frigate BERGAMINI. During the visit, they met with members of the ship's crew and received an update on the Operation.

European Union, 2026

HR/VP Kallas highlighted Djibouti as a highly valued EU partner, stressing that "Operation ASPIDES is protecting lives, trade and stability. But ships cannot secure sea lanes without reliable partners on shore."

European Union, 2026

She also noted that over the past 29 months, Operation ASPIDES has protected more than 670 merchant vessels and saved 128 seafarers.

European Union, 2026

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, with a totally defensive mandate, contributes to regional stability and prosperity by providing safety to fellow seafarers and protecting global common goods.

European External Action Service published this content on July 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 17, 2026 at 18:40 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]