New frigate will help protect shipping and combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea builds its first warship, Wele-Nzas, to strengthen the national naval forces and safeguard the shores of the country.
Its inaugural route was from Malabo to the Bay of Luba. The frigate has four main engines that reach speeds of 25 knots; rocket launchers and anti-rocket defense; an assault patrol boat and an airstrip for helicopters.
President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo chaired the unveiling ceremony held at the Port of Malabo. During his welcoming speech, he noted the importance of equipping the Navy with a new warship, given the geographical situation of the nation set on the Gulf of Guinea, where the country has experienced several cases of piracy.
The First Lady of the Nation, Constancia Mangue de Obiang joined Vice President, Ignacio Milam Tang, vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Prime Minister, Vicente Ehate Tomi, presidents of constitutional bodies, and special guests, such as former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of East Timor, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao at the ceremony.
President Obiang also inaugurated a new Air Force barracks facility near the capital city. The modern installation consists of 294 apartments with capacity to accommodate officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers in an area of 80,000m², including a soccer field.