BRUSSELS, March 17 (Xinhua) — The European Union (EU) on Monday drew a blueprint to support Gulf of Guinea countries to address the many challenges of maritime insecurity and organized crime.
Endorsed by EU foreign ministers, the Strategy on the Gulf of Guinea is a comprehensive and long-standing approach of the 28-member bloc to support West and Central African countries’ efforts to overcome poverty and attain lasting stability and prosperity.
The EU said piracy, armed robbery at sea, organized crime and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Gulf of Guinea region pose serious challenges to human security, human rights, economic activity and trade both at sea and on land.
The strategy also recognizes the need to protect both the populations in the Gulf of Guinea region and European citizens from the threats that emanate from the region.
The strategy is scheduled to be presented to the EU-Africa Summit in April.
Via: http://www.shanghaidaily.com/
