Piracy: “Coordination with other actors is essential” Van Middelkoop (NL)

(B2) Dutch Defense Minister Eimert van Middelkoop confirmed on Friday, during a trip on the frigate Evertsen, which commands the European anti-piracy operation Atalanta, that the Netherlands would again offer a ship l 'next year “whether operating (under the flag of) the EU or NATO”. This operation is important, he underlined, "effective and successful. We fight against international crime and defend a national economic interest by adequately protecting the Dutch merchant navy. "" Coordination with other actors working off the coast of Somalia is of great importance and contributes to the effectiveness of these anti-piracy operations. Good coordination allows deployed soldiers to be able to cover such a large territory. he added, believing that this will be his leitmotiv during the informal meeting of defense ministers in Gothenburg which opens on Monday.  

(photo credit: Dutch Ministry of Defense / Robin Utrecht)