Danish Govt Reveals Counter-Piracy Strategy

zoomDanish Navy's HDMS Absalon The Danish Government has announced a new strategy for the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea for the 2015-18 period. The overall strategy sets the framework for Denmarks political, developmental and military efforts against piracy. According to Danish Foreign Affairs Minister, Martin Lidegaard, the countrys counter-piracy efforts will be focused on the Horn of Africa. The country also plans to expand its efforts in the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, where piracy and armed robbery at sea have raised growing international concern.  “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,” said Lidegaard. The government has allocated for the purpose DKK 15 million (approximately USD 2.2 million) to be used, inter alia, for cooperation with governments on capacity building of institutions in the piracy-affected areas. As stressed by Danish Trade Minister Mogens Jenses, it is also vital that the root causes of piracy poverty and unemployment are tackled within these efforts, especially in countries like Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali.
World Maritime News Staff