NATION

‘We’re here to protect Oceania region’

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Munro is here on a mission – to pro­tect the Pacific Ocean and its fisher­ies resources. This is one of the core missions stated
09 Dec 2018 13:00
‘We’re here to protect Oceania region’
The Fiji Police Brass Band welcomes the US Coast Guard Cutter Munro at the Kings Wharf in Suva on December 7, 2018

The United States Coast Guard Cutter Munro is here on a mission – to pro­tect the Pacific Ocean and its fisher­ies resources.

This is one of the core missions stated by Commanding Officer Captain Jim Estra­monte on Friday during a press conference at the Kings Wharf in Suva.

The US Coast Guard arrived in Suva on Friday and is in the country until tomorrow.

“To why we’re here, so far is to help build prosperity in the Oceania region,” Captain Estramonte said.

“As you all know the Pacific Ocean is home to many of the widest populations of fisher­ies and if gone unregulated then people can take advantage of it.

“We are here to work with Fiji to protect the Pacific Ocean.

“Our mission also is to help with the pro­tection of the abundant fisheries and natu­ral resources included in Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” Captain Estramon­te said.

One hundred and fifty personnel are on board the vessel. The visit by the US coast guard is part of the Shiprider Agreement signed on November 12, 2018.

This agreement would enable our border security agencies intensify its efforts to provide better protection of the country’s borders from illicit maritime threats and transnational activities, with the assistance of the United States.

Former Minister for Defence and National Security Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and Act­ing US Ambassador Michael Goldman had signed the MoU.

It is understood that there will be further talks between the Ministry of Foreign Af­fairs and US Embassy to progressively pur­sue the country’s interest to enhance the collaboration through the State Partnership Programme.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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