Deputy Commander participates in Article 8 dialogue

Nov 16, 2018 - 10:36
EU NAVFOR's Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral Giuseppe Rapese attended the Article 8 Political dialogue between the European Union and the Seychelles on the 8th of November 2018.

In delivering a presentation on EU NAVFOR’s recent activities and evolving cooperation with the Seychelles, the Admiral highlighted the importance of our national and multinational military and law enforcement forces working closely together for the wider security of the region.

Rear Admiral Giuseppe Rapese said, “Our continued cooperation is essential in maintaining maritime security around the Seychelles. We are committed to supporting regional initiatives and building capacity across a variety of organisations, in order to allow security, careers, and the economy to prosper”.

The continued presence of EU NAVFOR in the region, and its participation in the Article 8 dialogue was extensively highlighted by the Head of EU Delegation, Ambassador Marjaana Sall, as "clear evidence of the EU's commitment to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean." Following the Article 8 Political dialogue meeting, Rear Admiral Rapese met with the President Danny Faure, during the meeting the presence of EU NAVFOR in the region was recognised and greatly appreciated at the highest political level.

The First EU-Seychelles Political dialogue took place in Victoria in 2012, making the latest meeting the sixth time this important interaction has taken place. Maritime Security featured significantly, with discussions taking place on a wide range of issues related to governance, international cooperation, investment, blue economy and climate change. With the Seychelles being an archipelago of 115 islands, safe seas are of utmost importance for the economy and security of the nation.

The Article 8 dialogue is an annual exchange of views on a range of issues between the EU and host countries, designed to help build strong institutions. It stems from the Contonou Agreement, which is a treaty signed in 2000 between the EU, African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States.

The EU combines support from several EU-funded programmes such as EU CRIMARIO and MASE to provide capacity building to littoral states of the Western Indian Ocean; and supports regional initiatives such as the Regional Centre for Operational Co-ordination (RCOC) based in the Seychelles and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC) located in Madagascar.

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