DILI, 06 july 2022 (TATOLI) – The Government of Japan provided Navigation Equipment to the Naval Component of the Timor-Leste Armed Forces (F-FDTL) to expand its navy navigation patrol in the Timor-Leste’s ocean.
In his speech, the representative of the Japanese Government, Kazumi Yamada said that the interactive table is to facilitate the services of the Timor-Leste’s Naval Component to protect the Timor Sea from illegal fishers, people smugglers, and other transnational criminal actors.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the Government of Japan to cooperate with the Government of Timor-Leste to contribute to the safety and security of the region and to attaining Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Yamada said in a statement released yesterday.
She said Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) is a key element of maritime safety and security: “The interactive table handed over today as a part of the support of the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Program funded by the Government of Japan will provide maritime law enforcement agencies in Timor-Leste with the tools needed to expand the much-needed maritime operational picture.”
It will help track vessel movements and identify suspicious patterns in surrounding waters, which will contribute to safety and security in the region.
Yamada appreciated the dedication of Timor-Leste’s Maritime Operations Centers (COMAR) to continuously advance maritime safety in the commons through the implementation of new technology: “We are confident that the interactive table will set precedence for the efficient management of the maritime domain, in coordination with international partners.”
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Japan stands ready to assist the development effort by Timor-Leste, including by continuing and seeing the results of our ongoing discussions on maritime safety and security,” he added.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
