Mauritius invited to join Combined Maritime Forces
Cooperating to strengthen maritime security
MAURITIUS: A formal letter inviting Mauritius to join the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) was delivered last week during a visit to engage with authorities in a bid to strengthen cooperation with Mauritius against maritime security challenges in the region.
The commander of the Combine Task Force 150 met with Sudheer Maudhoo, Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, Anil Kumar Dip, Mauritius Police Commissioner and Captain CG Binoop, Commandant National Coast Guard; while Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander CMF handed the formal invitation to join CMF to the Commissioner of Police.
The second day involved meetings with Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and Director of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), both of which are regional intergovernmental organisations based in Mauritius and dedicated to enhancing security, trade and sustainable development in Indian Ocean.
The two sides discussed avenues of collaboration with CMF to strengthen IOC and IORA’s initiatives in maritime safety as well as combating piracy and transnational crimes.
During the visit, courtesy call with Frederic Bontems, French Ambassador in Mauritius was also conducted to acknowledge the contributions of French Navy in countering illicit activities off East African coast and the need to continue working together during Pakistan Navy’s command tenure was emphasized.
Commodore Asim also attended the reception held onboard French Navy Polar Logistic Support Ship L’ASTROLABE (P-800). The event provided opportunity to highlight CMF efforts and contributions to the larger audience.
The Commander CTF-150 also briefed Maneesh Gobin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius on the CTF-150 mission and emphasised the importance of a Mauritius partnership in CMF.
The collaboration will provide opportunities to participate in joint operations with CMF as well as to share intelligence on illicit activities at sea.
“The visit was a valuable step in strengthening relationship of Combined Maritime Forces with Mauritius. The visit provided opportunity to highlight CTF-150 operations being conducted for maritime security as well as CMF capacity building efforts with regional partners to disrupt illegitimate maritime activities ultimately contributing to regional maritime security,” said Malik.
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