Taiwan has agreed to help fund a project designed to enhance Somalia’s maritime communications. The goal is to improve maritime security in the region, which is prone to pirate attacks.
Taiwan’s Representative to the EU and Belgium and a senior fellow at the non-profit Oceans Beyond Piracy signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiwan will contribute US$166,000 to a two-year project designed to upgrade communications in Somalia.
The project will set up maritime security centers in five Somali ports. Taiwan’s contribution will help fund communications equipment and sustainable power options for the centers.
Somali piracy is a serious concern for Taiwanese civilian vessels. In recent years, at least five Taiwanese ships have been hijacked or attacked by Somali pirates while at sea.