President of the Government congratulates Spanish troops on their successful fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean

President's News - 2013.12.22

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Djibouti

Mariano Rajoy, on board the frigate Álvaro de Bazán in command of the NATO mission against piracy in the Indian Ocean, underlined that "the international community is winning the battle for maritime security and fishing activity in one of the most dangerous seas in the word" and "Spain has played an active role" in this success, he added.

In his address to the Spanish military personnel, he stated that the decrease in the number of attacks and no unlawful boardings demonstrate the success of this mission which is based on "your dedication and hard work, your commitment and efforts".

However, the President of the Government warned them not to "drop their guard" because "the threat has not been wiped out; it remains present".

Mariano Rajoy en YibutiPool MoncloaThe President of the Government, who travelled to the African country with the Minister for Defence, Pedro Morenés, and the Chief of the Defence Staff (Spanish acronym: JEMAD), Admiral Fernando García Sánchez, also addressed the Spanish troops from the air detachment ''Orión'', who are fighting against piracy as part of ''Operation Atalanta''.

In his address, he highlighted that this region is "key for peace and security" and said that the contribution from Spanish military personnel is "essential for the protection of merchant ships in the area, fishing boats and vessels under the UN''s World Food Programme.

The President of the Government passed on Christmas wishes to both the crew of the frigate Álvaro de Bazán and the air detachment ''Orión'' in the name of the King, the government and the Spanish people, and conveyed to them "the acknowledgment, the empathy, the support and encouragement" of all.

This time last year, the President of the Government travelled to Afghanistan to give Christmas and New Year''s greetings to the Spanish military personnel deployed there.

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