HR/VP Kaja Kallas Visits EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in Djibouti

On 16 July, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, Commander of Operation ASPIDES, welcomed the EU HR/VP Kaja Kallas, and an EU delegation onboard the Italian Frigate BERGAMINI. During the visit, they met with members of the ship's crew and received an update on the Operation.

European Union, 2026

HR/VP Kallas highlighted Djibouti as a highly valued EU partner, stressing that "Operation ASPIDES is protecting lives, trade and stability. But ships cannot secure sea lanes without reliable partners on shore." 

European Union, 2026

She also noted that over the past 29 months, Operation ASPIDES has protected more than 670 merchant vessels and saved 128 seafarers.

European Union, 2026

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, with a totally defensive mandate, contributes to regional stability and prosperity by providing safety to fellow seafarers and protecting global common goods.