Maritime Security: Mauritius and US bolster cooperation to safeguard EEZ

The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, met representatives of the Institute for Security Governance of the United States (US) Department of Defense namely Ms Jessie Evans and Mr Jay Hall, today in presence of Junior Minister, Mr Fabrice David, at the seat of the Ministry in Port-Louis.

The US delegation is currently in Mauritius to conduct a workshop on improving maritime security in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), in collaboration with the Mauritius Security forces.

In a statement, Dr Boolell underlined that the main objective of the meeting was to deliberate on safety and security at sea and build up collaboration between Mauritius and the US in this field.

He highlighted the importance of Mauritius to work with like-minded countries to address cross-cutting issues such as drug trafficking and proliferation, human trafficking as well as illegal and unreported fishing.

Mauritius has a vast EEZ and is poised to develop into a major port for international vessels, stated the Minister, underscoring the need for the country to beef up its monitoring policy with the technical assistance of the US.

Mr Calel J. Goddard, who is also part of the delegation, reiterated the commitment of the US to strengthening the economic and security ties with Mauritius. Coordinated maritime domain awareness is integral for ensuring maritime security in the region and countering transitional threats, he said.

GIS Mauritius