Danish gov't announces new anti-piracy strategy
Xinhua, February 6, 2015 Adjust font size:
The Danish government on Thursday announced a new strategy for the fight to end piracy and armed robbery at sea.
The strategy, which covers the period 2015 to 2018, sets the framework for Denmark's overall political, developmental, and military efforts against piracy.
The overall objective of the strategy is to contribute to the jurisdiction of the waters where Denmark has significant maritime interests and ensure the security of Danish and international shipping and seafarers.
"For a maritime nation like Denmark, it is vital that we do what we can to protect shipping and seafarers. It is about security, personal costs for involved sailors, and better conditions for sailing," Danish Foreign Minister Martin Lidegaard said in a statement.
He added that the Danish push to combat piracy is still focused on the Horn of Africa in northeastern Africa, but with the new strategy, the government will now expand its efforts to the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa.
In the new focus area, application will initially be based on capacity-building initiatives and maintaining an active Danish role in international cooperation on maritime security in the region, according to the strategy. Endit