MARITIME COOPERATION: RMIFC WELCOMES A HIGH-LEVEL EUROPEAN UNION DELEGATION
As part of the partnership aimed at strengthening the Regional Maritime Security Architecture (RMSA), funded by the European Union and implemented by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) welcomed a high-level European Union delegation to its headquarters in Antananarivo today.
The delegation comprised two representatives from the European Union headquarters in Brussels, one official from the European Union Delegation based in Mauritius, as well as the Political Adviser and Head of Section covering Madagascar and the Comoros.
DISCUSSIONS FOCUSED ON INFORMATION SHARING AND MARITIME OPERATIONS
Discussions focused in particular on the management of vessels of interest and arrangements for sharing information with regional partners to facilitate the conduct of joint operations. Particular attention was given to vessels subject to international sanctions, notably those listed under European Union sanctions.
The delegation also expressed interest in learning about several successful regional operations to which the RMIFC had contributed, highlighting its role in collecting, analysing and sharing maritime information in support of regional security.
For its part, the RMIFC team outlined some of the challenges it faces, particularly the constraints related to accessing several Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) platforms, whose usage and subscription costs can represent a significant financial burden.
PRESENTATION OF THE RMIFC’S OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES
The visit also included a tour of the RMIFC watchkeeping room, during which the delegation had the opportunity to discover the Centre’s operational capabilities.
A specific presentation focused on newly developed in-house platforms designed to improve the management and monitoring of the Centre’s deliverables, particularly MARSEC reports, as well as the tracking of vessels operating within its restricted area of interest.
This courtesy and working visit provided an opportunity to strengthen engagement between the RMIFC and the European Union on information sharing, operational cooperation and complementary capabilities, for the benefit of maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
Source : RMIFC
