07/10/2020 (Agence Europe) – The EU and Japan conducted a joint naval exercise in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia on 5 and 6 October, the EEAS announced on Wednesday 7. The exercise involved a warship supporting maritime patrols of Operation Eunavfor Atalanta and a ship from the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force patrolling the area. “The exercise confirmed the commitment of the EU and Japan and the coordination between their respective forces in the fight against piracy” the EEAS said. Both sides “are determined to pursue and enhance their cooperation on freedom of navigation and maritime security through future training initiatives and operational activities at sea” it announced, adding that they were ready to include other partners in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific region. (CG)