At the end of the 3-day Global Maritime Security Conference in Abuja, the European Union (EU) had made it commitment towards supporting the Gulf of Guinea to boost maritime trade in a safe and secured manner.
While stating the commitment of EU, Lotte Taylor, Head Regional Cooperation Section of the EU Commission said that Maritime Insecurity is a major challenge in the Gulf of Guinea, she noted that it raises costs, hampers trade reduces growth and raises the level of poverty. She said that at the end of the conference the EU has proposed that an approach rooted in leadership and commitment of the Gulf of Guinea with political commitment in which all regional and international actors are brought together. She also urged all members to explore the EU Coordinated Maritime Presence with enhanced surveillance system.
In the same vein the Ambassador of Denmark Mr. Jesper Kamp who was represented by the Danish Maritime Military Advisor to West Africa Capt. Nielsen said that Denmark is concerned about the security threats in the Gulf of Guinea being the world’s sixth largest maritime nation in terms of tonnage. He noted that at any given time an estimated 30 vessels controlled by Danish companies are present in the Gulf of Guinea. He said that Nigeria along with other countries in the region are important trading partners for Denmark and the EU and it is key to the economic development and stability in West Africa. He said for these reasons, Denmark will continue to contribute to the international efforts in combating piracy and other types of maritime crimes.
Read more at the Global Maritime Security Conference
