Thank you, Dr. Malaquias, for the kind introduction. Thank you, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy Mahatante, for attending today's kickoff. Thank you, Ambassador Scott, for traveling from AFRICOM in Germany. Other distinguished guests and representatives, good morning.
Ambassador Pierangelo addressed a gathering at the Maritime Security Seminar's opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of maritime security in maintaining regional stability and global trade. The event was organized by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies and hosted by the Republic of Madagascar.
Representatives from over 26 countries and agencies attended the seminar, including delegates from Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania. Their presence contributes to efforts to counter shared maritime security threats in the Western Indian Ocean.
Pierangelo highlighted that "maritime security is the cornerstone of our collective efforts to counter illicit trafficking, illegal immigration," as well as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. These issues threaten sovereignty and economic prosperity while undermining regional stability.
The ambassador noted that illicit trafficking in drugs, arms, and human beings poses a significant threat due to unmonitored expanses of the Indian Ocean. By enhancing maritime security capabilities, these criminal networks can be disrupted.
Illegal immigration driven by conflict and poverty was another concern raised by Pierangelo. Strengthening maritime security helps manage migration flows better while providing humanitarian assistance where needed.
Regarding IUU fishing, Pierangelo stated it "depletes our marine resources" and threatens food security. By investing in maritime domain awareness and enforcement efforts can protect these resources from illegal exploitation.
The recent AFRICOM exercise Cutlass Express demonstrated commitment to these goals through collaboration and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing monitoring abilities across maritime domains.
In conclusion: "Only through our collective efforts," shared intelligence," coordinated actions" can waters be safeguarded along with people’s protection ensuring prosperity throughout regions involved said Ambassador Pierangelo before thanking attendees once more concluding remarks made during seminar opening session held today