EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (HN) visits Kuwait

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (HN) visits Kuwait

Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ASPIDES conducted an official visit to Kuwait on 14-15 September as part of the operation's engagement initiatives with regional countries.

Rear Admiral Gryparis, accompanied by H.E Anne Koistinen, Ambassador of the EU to the State of Kuwait, held constructive meetings with Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khaled Ahmad Al-Sabah, Acting CEO of Kuwait Oil Tanker Company as well as Rear Admiral Nasser Abdulkarim, Deputy Commander of Kuwait Naval Forces.

Discussions focused on the shared commitment to maritime security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters, where EUNAVFOR ASPIDES plays a key role in ensuring the protection of international shipping lanes and Freedom of Navigation. The visit underscored the importance of regional cooperation and information sharing in countering threats to maritime trade. ASPIDES is a demonstration of the EU's capacity to act as a maritime security provider in close coordination with other international partners and Naval forces.

Rear Admiral Gryparis expressed his appreciation for Kuwait's continued cooperation in regional maritime stability and reaffirmed the EU's willingness to deepen operational dialogue with Kuwait and regional partners. During the meetings, Kuwaiti officials reiterated their support for the principles of safe navigation and commended ASPIDES for its contribution to maritime security in the region.

This first visit of the Commander of Operation ASPIDES, marks a significant step in strengthening EU-Kuwait cooperation and building bridges between European and Gulf partners.