From 6 to 9 of April, the Egyptian Navy ‘Mistral’-type helicopter-carrier ‘Ganal Abdel Nasser’ and the FREMM-type frigate ‘Tahya Misr’ visited the port of Cartagena (SE Spain). An Egyptian delegation paid a protocol visit to the Mayor of the city and the President of the Regional Parliament.
They then proceeded to the Navy Arsenal were they were welcomed by Vice-admiral Aniceto Rosique and visited the NAVANTIA shipyards.
A reception was organized on board the carrier hosted by the Task Group Commander, Vice-admiral Hazem Hamed and the Commanding officers of the two warships. It was attended by local military and civilian authorities. Both units also arranged an Open Day on Sunday when people were welcomed and toured around the ships.
The purpose of the port of call was the rest of the crew of both ships which are currently involved in a training cruise in the Mediterranean Sea, and was also an opportunity to strengthen the good relations between the Egyptian and Spanish Navies.
The Egyptian midshipmen could participate in a series of cultural and sports activities with other Spanish servicemen. When leaving Cartagena, several opportunity and PASSEX-type exercises were scheduled with Spanish Navy units.