The Government of Japan has made a contribution of US$1.0 million to the IMO West and Central Africa Maritime Security Trust Fund, established by IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu to implement maritime security projects in the Gulf of Guinea, including the prevention and suppression of piracy and armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activity.
The significant contribution by Japan will go towards supporting the implementation of the Code of Conduct concerning the prevention of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activity in the West and Central Africa, which was signed by west and central Africa countries in June 2013.
“This is a very welcome donation to the trust fund, which will enable IMO to support States in the Gulf of Guinea to develop their national and regional capabilities to improve maritime governance in waters under their jurisdiction and to prevent, within the provisions of international law, piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities. It is fundamental for a sustainable maritime transportation system that international shipping can operate without the threat of piracy and armed robbery, ” IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said.
The West and Central Africa Maritime Security Trust Fund in 2013 received donations from China (US$100, 000) and the United Kingdom (UK£100, 000).
IMO has also been implementing a series of maritime security-related technical cooperation activities in the region, including table-top exercises, with the support of funding from the Government of Norway.
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IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. Web site: www.imo.org
