Operation AGENOR, the military component of the EMASOH initiative, reach its FOC today, February 25. A military ceremony, chaired by French Navy (Marine Nationale) Vice-Admiral Didier Maleterre (ALINDIEN), commander of the operation, was held on this occasion at French naval base in the United Arab Emirates, in the presence of Admiral Rob Kramer, chief of staff of the Royal Netherlands Navy (Koninklijke Marine) and General Stéphane Mille, head of the Center for Planning and Operations Management (CPCO) at the French military central command, and UAE authorities.
This milestone materializes the political project, led by eight European countries, to implement a maritime surveillance and security mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
This operation aims to strengthen Europe’s ability to assess the situation and monitor maritime activity, and to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Arabian Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. AGENOR acts in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It contributes to the de-escalation of tensions in this region of strategic interests. This operation is open to other countries wishing to contribute effectively to regional stability.
Relying on the French Forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates (FFEAU), and the privileged relations it maintains with the host country, France, the lead nation of the operation, has enabled the EMASOH initiative to gain momentum in a timely manner. Located within the Abu Dhabi Naval Base, the Force Head Quarter (Tactical Staff) of Operation AGENOR brings together representatives of the contributing States and liaison officers.
The Forbin and De Ruyter frigates are currently under operational control and tactical command of the operation.
The eight countries taking part in EMASOH are:
- France (lead nation)
- Germany
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Greece
- Italy
- the Netherlands
- Portugal
