BY MARY KUYE
The Nigerian government is collaborating with the Republic of Korea on the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure to protect the Gulf of Guinea from piracy and other maritime-related crimes.
Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of Transportation, disclosed this Thursday in Abuja while receiving to his office the 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, Mr Choi Jong Kun.
“We met in my office and discussed quite a lot that has to do with maritime relationships, especially the Deep Blue Project. We concluded to collaborate and he promised some support and assistance from the government of the Republic of Korea,” a statement signed by Eric Ojiekwe, Director, Press and Public Relations, quoted the Minister as saying.
Also speaking, Mr Kun expressed his country’s interest in the Deep Blue Project, saying “We commend the Minister and the Ministry’s initiative and the relentless implementation of the project, also because it increases the Maritime Security of Nigeria especially in the groundwater but also it contributes to the regional security and stability of the International community.”
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Furthermore, Kun said Korea is interested in finding ways to secure the Gulf of Guinea, as the country has a strong fishery and maritime presence there. He, therefore, promised to support the Nigerian government to tackle maritime insecurity.
The diplomat disclosed that the Korean government plans to host a joint commission with Nigeria sometime in October in Seoul, Korea, saying “We want the Minister of Transportation to be part of the Joint Commission so that in Seoul, we will talk about maritime security on the Gulf of Guinea.”
In attendance was the Nigerian Ambassador to Korea, Ali Mohammed Magashi, Directors of the Ministry of Transportation amongst others.
