OPV ‘Infanta Elena’ welcomes the visit of the Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs of Cape Verde

On March 15th the offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Infanta Elena’ welcomed Mr. Luis Filipe Tavares, Minster of Defense and Foreign Affairs of Cape Verde, accompanied by the Chief of Staff Major General Anildo Emanuel Da Graça Morais. The ship is currently docked at the port of Mindelo in the Isle of San Vicente.

They were received by the ship’s CO, Lieutenant-Commander Álvaro Zaragoza who after the initial protocol formalities, were shown around the OPV explaining her capabilities. They later signed in the Guest Book.

This visit is a further example of the commitment for collaboration between Spain and Cape Verde. On this occasion, the patrol vessel will participate in several cooperation activities as part of Spain’s Diplomacy Plan and a contribution of the Armed Forces to the State’s external action service.

With this deployment the Spanish Navy warship intends to participate and enhance maritime security issues in the area, improving the capabilities of regional armed forces with activities of military cooperation and cooperative security. The purpose of these activities is to strengthen the capabilities of those nations to successfully challenge the existing threats like piracy, and illegal fishing and immigration, which can also affect the interests of Spain.