The visit comes within the framework of trips initiated by Pedro Morenés at the end of the legislature to see for himself the progress of all the operations in which Spanish contingents are participating.
In his meeting with the Spanish servicemen, the Minister for Defence thanked them for their efforts and dedication in contributing to security and stability in such a sensitive region as Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and highlighted that they are helping a country without its own capabilities and that, without this help, Somalia would have no future. Pedro Morenés also pointed out that Spain is a major player on the international stage through its commitment to and participation on these international missions.
Pedro Morenés was accompanied by Colonel César Sáenz de Santamaría, head of the Spanish contingent and Chief of Staff of the mission, and by Colonel Luis Carcaño García de Carellán, head of the training team. It so happens that these two Spanish officers hold the two most important posts on this mission.
After meeting with the head of the mission, the Italian general, Antonio Maggi, and with Colonel Sáenz de Santamaría, who brought him up-to-date with the details of the operation and the situation of the contingent, the Minister for Defence held a meeting with the Spanish servicemen during which he held extensive talks with them.
EUTM-SOMALIA
The European Union training mission in Somalia seeks to provide advice at a political and strategic level to the Somali defence authorities, as well to offer specific training to its servicemen with the aim of contributing to the development of the Somali Armed Forces.
Spain, committed with Europe to peace and stability in the region of the Horn of Africa, has been taking part in this operation since its outset back in 2010, and was initially deployed in Uganda. The training and advisory activities for the Somali Armed Forces have taken place on Somali soil since 2014 in the city of Mogadishu.
Of the 15 Spanish personnel currently taking part in the operation, 13 are deployed in Mogadishu, in addition to an officer in Nairobi and a commander deployed in Brussels. Spanish servicemen comprise the second largest military contribution to the operation which has a total operational contingent of 177 servicemen from 12 countries - 11 EU Member States and Serbia.
On another note, it is noteworthy that Spain is the largest contributor to European Union efforts to bring peace and stability to this region. There are currently 287 servicemen on three missions being simultaneously undertaken in this part of the world: Atalanta, EUCAP Nestor and EUTM Somalia.
Foto Ministerio