On April 8, the Italian Navy frigate Luigi Rizzo (F595) docked in Maputo, Mozambique, for a four-day visit that aims to strengthen ties between Italy and Mozambique.
This stopover formed part of the EU-led EU NAVFOR Atalanta operation, which focuses on protecting commercial shipping in the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean, regions long challenged by piracy and maritime threats.
During the visit, a significant milestone was reached when Italy and Mozambique signed a military cooperation agreement, announced on April 10 by Italian military attaché Franco Linzalone.
This agreement, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, emphasizes joint training, capacity building, and the possibility of broader collaboration across various armed forces sectors. Its core objective is to bolster Mozambique’s capacity to tackle maritime threats such as piracy and illegal trafficking, an area where the Italian Navy has proven its mettle by recently thwarting two pirate attacks in the Horn of Africa.
“This strengthens Mozambique’s operational capacity to secure its waters,” noted Operation Atalanta commander Davide Da Pozzo.
The visit was not limited to diplomatic gestures. The Luigi Rizzo engaged in a joint simulation with the Mozambican Navy, demonstrating maritime interdiction techniques vital for safeguarding trade routes and supporting local fishermen.
Beyond these operational efforts, the crew participated in community outreach, playing rugby matches with Mozambican youth to build goodwill. The European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM MOZ) also capitalized on the visit to deepen ties with their naval counterparts.
EUMAM MOZ Mission Force Commander, Brigadier General Luís Barroso, welcomed EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA Force Commander, Italian Navy Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, and Luigi Rizzo Commanding Officer, Commander Giuseppe Lucafò, to their headquarters for a courtesy visit. EUMAM MOZ personnel toured the frigate, gaining insight into its contributions to regional maritime security initiatives.
With a mandate extending until June 20, 2026, EUMAM MOZ is tasked with supporting the Mozambican Defence Armed Forces in protecting civilians and restoring safety and security in the Cabo Delgado province.
Italy’s ambassador to Mozambique, Gabriele Annis, highlighted Italy’s commitment to supporting Mozambique’s reforms under President Daniel Chapo’s government and its contributions to the national peace process through the Sant’Egidio Community, which facilitated the Rome Accords that ended Mozambique’s civil war.
The visit also drew attention to substantial Italian investments in the country, notably Eni’s Coral Norte project, a $7.56 billion offshore venture recently approved by Mozambique’s government. Another key investment, the Coral Sul (Coral South) project, celebrated its 100th successful LNG shipment from the FLNG anchor off northern Mozambique.
Ambassador Annis described these initiatives as a strong endorsement of Mozambique’s economic potential, forecasting significant revenue growth and industrial development.
The Luigi Rizzo, a FREMM frigate launched in 2017, serves as the flagship of the European naval mission. Before arriving in Mozambique, it conducted a joint activity with a Kenyan Navy patrol vessel off the coast of Mombasa, Kenya, further demonstrating its role in fostering regional maritime cooperation.
The Italian Navy frigate Luigi Rizzo (F595) was earlier in the Gulf of Guinea on a fight against illegal trafficking, during the covid-19 pandemic.
ITS Luigi Rizzo also took part in the US Navy-led multinational maritime exercise Obangame Express 2021, off the coast of Cote d’Ivoire in March
