Mauritius to host 2nd Edition of the Ministerial Conference on Maritime Security

Mauritius will host the 2nd Edition of the Ministerial Conference on Maritime Security and the 22nd Plenary session of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) from 18th to 20th June 2019 with the aim to follow up and discuss the progress and implementation of the Roadmap on Maritime Security in the South Western part of the Indian Ocean so as to ensure a long-lasting Maritime Security. These events are being organised by the Indian Ocean Commission, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) through its funded Maritime Security Programme to contribute to the maritime domain awareness in the region.

The Minister Mentor, Minister of Defence and Minister for Rodrigues, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, announced the upcoming meetings on Maritime Security this week at the Treasury Building, during a presentation in presence of the Minister of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Nandcoomar Bodha, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and other stakeholders.

Sir Anerood Jugnauth expressed gratitude to the EU for supporting Mauritius and the Indian Ocean region in ensuring maritime security. Ocean economy, he said, is one of the main focuses of the country’s national strategy to boost economic and social growth adding that ensuring maritime security is, of no doubt, a prerequisite for Mauritius to reach a new level of development. Government is determined to fully exploit the potentials of its maritime areas in the field of fisheries, tourism, technological innovation, and exploration and exploitation of seabed, he added.

Some 15 countries and 29 regional and international organisations have confirmed their participation for the three-day event. They are namely Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Madagascar, Norway, People’s Republic of China, Portugal, Russian Federation, Seychelles, Somalia, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Nations, International Maritime Organisation, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Somalian Organisation, Pakistan Navy, Danish Shipping and Panama Maritime Authority, amongst others.

Discussions will focus on relationships between European Union and Mauritius, regional and multinational cooperation, economic partnership agreement, maritime security, good governance, human rights and gender issues. The dialogue is an opportunity to reflect on future strategies in the wake of multiple challenges facing Mauritius and come up with the top priorities that need to be tackled.