SA, France Meet to Discuss Security Cooperation
French Vice Admiral Xavier Rolin is in South Africa to discuss cooperation between Pretoria and Paris in the fight against terrorism, illegal fishing, piracy and drug smuggling.
Mr Rolin arrived in South Africa today and is also expected to finalise an agreement between France and South Africa to equip and deliver two Namaccura-class harbour patrol boats to the Mozambican Armed Forces.
The boats will assist the Mozambicans to combat similar problems especially illegal fishing that is rampant in the east African country.
Senior South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel will represent South Africa.
Admiral Rolin has been commanding the French Navy in the Indian Ocean maritime zone since March 2004.
The South African Navy is refitting the two Namaccura-class harbour patrol boats and France is providing them with five 150hp Yamaha outboard engines, two KVH Azimuth 1000 digital compasses and two Furuno global positioning systems.
South Africa will also fund transportation of the boats from Simons Town to Maputo to take place on 8 -14 September. Both countries would also be responsible for training Mozambican crews and engineers.
Admiral Rolin will also visit the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Pretoria.
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17 Août 2004 à 17:27 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
