The Coast Guards of Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire have signed a joint operations agreement to combat maritime piracy and other illegal activities on their high seas.
The Côte d’Ivoire Coast Guard, along with representatives from the Côte d’Ivoire Embassy in Liberia, and the Liberian Coast Guard, held discussions aboard the Ivorian vessel CONTRE-AMIRAL FADIKA, which docked at Bong Mines Pier, Liberia. The two-day visit focused on enhancing security in the waters of both countries.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Coast Guard Commander, Siriki Fofana, said the agreement will help address major challenges at the sea, including illegal fishing and narcotics trafficking.
The two countries will collaborate on joint patrols, information sharing, and conducting trainings to tackle issues like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal fishing, Fofana said.
Liberia’s Port Director, Moley Passawe, praised the initiative and urged both countries to strengthen their information-sharing mechanisms to tackle these growing threats on the high seas.
The partnership is expected to be an annual effort.
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