Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Portuguese ambassador to Cape Verde, João Queirós, announced today that, by the end of the year, the country should receive new naval resources through Portuguese-European cooperation to reinforce national maritime security.
During a visit to the Portuguese navy ship NRP Sines, docked at the Port of Praia as part of the “Open Sea” Initiative, the diplomat highlighted that two fast ships are due to be delivered in September, as part of a European programme carried out by Portugal.
Furthermore, negotiations are underway for Cape Verde to benefit, later this year, from a new naval asset under the European Fund for Peace.
“Everything points to Cape Verde being one of the beneficiary countries of this European mechanism by the end of the year,” he said, stressing that the acquisition of modern resources should be accompanied by training and coordination actions with other international navies, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil.
João Queirós said that this cooperation has proven essential to ensure effective surveillance in a maritime area that represents around 99% (percent) of the national territory.
He also recalled that, within the scope of the Joint Surveillance Treaty between Portugal and Cape Verde, it is possible to integrate Cape Verdean crews on board Portuguese vessels, thus strengthening national operational capabilities.
Regarding the Guardião ship (Cape Verdean navy ship) currently in the Mindelo shipyards, the diplomat assured that it should be operational in the coming weeks or months, and that Portugal is prepared to support its resumption, namely in training the crew.
Regarding the reinforcement of fishing inspections, the ambassador highlighted that, despite the Fisheries Agreement being between the European Union and Cape Verde, the issue continues to be a priority in the context of maritime security.
“Cape Verde currently has very high levels of monitoring of its maritime area, particularly in the fishing sector,” he assured.
The Open Sea Initiative is an annual naval presence and international cooperation mission by the Portuguese Navy, which aims to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and promote interoperability with Portuguese-speaking African countries.
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