Pakistan Navy Commander Mr. Asim Sohail Malik called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Honourable Maneesh Gobin, on Wednesday 18 September 2024 at the Ministry.
Commodore Malik, currently serving as the Commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, engaged in discussions with Minister Gobin on key issues pertaining to maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
CTF 150 is one of five operational task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a multinational naval partnership dedicated to ensuring the security, stability, and prosperity of approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which include some of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.
The discussions focused on the imperative need for cooperation between Mauritius and the CMF in strengthening the maritime safety architecture in the region, particularly in combating drug trafficking.
Mauritius remains vulnerable to transnational criminal activities in its maritime domain, an
d Minister Gobin stressed the importance of reinforcing efforts to prevent the illegal trafficking of narcotics across the Indian Ocean.
Beyond drug trafficking, the Minister and Commodore Malik addressed other pressing maritime security threats, including piracy, arms trafficking and human trafficking. Both sides expressed their commitment to enhancing regional collaboration and ensuring that these threats are systematically tackled to safeguard the region’s maritime routes.
Minister Gobin highlighted the high costs of maritime security risks on international trade and, eventually, on consumers. He reiterated Mauritius’ strategic interest in promoting safe and secure waters in the Indian Ocean, emphasising that Mauritius will continue to work closely with international partners like the CMF to enhance the region’s overall security and stability.
Mr. Malik reaffirmed CTF 150’s mission to support countries in the region by enhancing their maritime capabilities, defeating terrorism, and promoting cooperation
to address shared challenges.
Mauritius is part of the Safe Seas Africa (SSA) programme which provides a platform for signatory countries engaged in the regional maritime security (MASE) agreements and other partners, such as the European Naval Force and the CMF to work together to advance peace and security in the region.
Source: Government of Mauritius