The Turkish-led Combined Task Force 151 (CTF 151) held a recent engagement with the commanders of the Djibouti Marine Nationale and Coastguard.

Rear Admiral Nejat Inanir of the Turkish Navy, the Commander of CTF 151, discussed future collaboration and support with Colonel Waiss Omar Bogoreh of the Djibouti Coastguard and Captain Ahmed Djama, Commander of the Djibouti Marine Nationale during a Zoom conference call.

With the current pandemic ongoing, key leaders have had to overcome the inability to travel to meet with their counterparts in other nations. However, the CTF 151 mission to work with regional partners to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and armed robbery at sea remains at the forefront of CMF’s operational activity despite Covid-19 restrictions.

“Piracy has decreased, but it has not been eradicated. There are still pirates on the beach and internal country problems in this region affect maritime security, so the efforts of CTF 151 are particularly valued,” Colonel Waiss Omar Bogoreh of the Djibouti Coastguard said.

“We all have one goal – to make the seas safe. Our mutual cooperation and coordination can make this happen,” he added.

After thanking the organizations for their support, RADM Inanir said: “I am so pleased to work with both of you. Our focus is on the high seas and conducting future counter-piracy operations with you.”

Rear Admiral Inanir, the Turkish Commander of CTF151 emphasizes the importance of coordinated collaboration to counter piracy activity in the region.

Although not a member of CMF, CTF 151 works with the Djibouti Marine Nationale and Coastguard to deliver security and stability through regionally-led maritime security operations.

Colonel Waiss Omar Bogoreh of the Djibouti Coastguard said: “I am ready to support your operations and our people and assets are in place. It would be very useful to have a member of the Djibouti Coastguard on the CMF staff so that we have both Coastguard and Navy representation.”

Captain Ahmed Djama, Commander of the Djibouti Marine Nationale, added: “I am ready to work with you and cooperate further, communicate more and share more information in order to make this region safer.”

RADM Inanir said: “I look forward to work more closely with Djibouti in the future.”