NATO counter piracy warship meets with local leaders in Somalia

On Saturday 25 May 13, NATO counter piracy warship USS Nicholas hosted a meeting in the Gulf of Aden with members of the fishing village of Xabo (North-eastern Somalia). Local officials and community elders were invited on board Nicholas to sit down with the ship’s leadership to discuss the impact of piracy in the region.  
The Commanding Officer of USS Nicholas, Commander Cory Blaser, welcomed aboard Mohamed Yusuf Mohamed, Mayor of Xabo, Adam Said Yusuf, Chief Elder, and several other elders from the community in an open discussion on the positive influence of NATO forces and the destructive impact of piracy. Both parties shared ideas on how to improve tactics and better work together to reduce the overall threat of piracy.  
According to Commander Blaser, “This successful event continues to foster mutual trust and confidence between NATO forces and local leaders, while reinforcing the understanding of the adverse effects of piracy on Somalia’s economic and social development.”    
Source: NATO Allied Maritime Command