The European Union (EU), the Republic of Korea and Oman conducted their first joint naval and information exchange exercise in the International Recommended Transit Corridor through the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea on 18 October 2021. The exercise involved the EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta flagship, frigate Victoria, and the Republic of Korea’s destroyer Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin, as well as the Oman maritime Security Centre. Based on the scenario of an anti-piracy operation, the joint naval exercise included boarding a vessel with helicopter-borne special operations forces, live heavy machine gun fire, a search and rescue operation, and complex tactical evolutions at sea.

The newly adopted EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific calls for more joint activities with Indo-Pacific partners to promote maritime security in the region.

All participants remain committed to maintaining the rules-based international order, freedom of navigation and overflight, and to enhance prosperity, stability and security in the region.

※ The Republic of Korea has concluded a Framework Participation Agreement with the EU for participation in EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, such as EU Naval Force Somalia – Operation Atalanta. The Republic of Korea has provided ships and personnel for this Operation. A Korean staff officer currently serves in the EU Naval Force. The EU and the Republic of Korea are committed to pursuing their close partnership in the area of security and defence.