In the statement, Minister Ollongren emphasized that the Indo-Pacific is becoming a geopolitical focus and that maritime security in this region needs to be strengthened, so the HNLMS Tromp will be dispatched to the region this year.

According to the Dutch Defense Minister, the government could let the ship participate in the US-led Operation "Prosperity Guardian" in the Red Sea or within the framework of a new mission of the European Union (EU).

Earlier the same day, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell said the EU mission in the Red Sea to protect commercial ships from attacks by Houthi forces could be deployed on February 17.

This January, Mr. Borrell stated that the Red Sea is an important shipping route for the world in general and Europe in particular, which is why the EU needs to establish its own mission in the Red Sea to ensure maritime security.