The ship’s stay in the African country is part of Operation “GUINEX-III”.
By Agência Marinha de Notícias – Mindelo, Cape Verde, Africa
From September 24 to 28, the Brazilian Navy’s “Fragata Liberal” completed its presence in African ports as part of Operation “GUINEX-III” by docking at the port of Mindelo, in Cape Verde. The country is located in the Gulf of Guinea, a region considered part of the national strategic environment.
The objectives of the operation include strengthening cooperation ties between friendly countries and carrying out military exercises in the port and at sea. In addition, the exchange of information and operational procedures increases interoperability between the Forces of the two countries, strengthening the South Atlantic Zone of Peace and Cooperation (ZOPACAS).
The Brazilian ship was welcomed by the Brazilian Ambassador to Cape Verde, Mr. Colbert Soares Pinto Junior, and was visited by the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of that country, Rear Admiral António Duarte Monteiro, as well as the Commander of the local Coast Guard, Captain Armindo António da Graça.
The MB and Cape Verdean Coast Guard soldiers held workshops. The activities consisted of training in damage control, boarding techniques with the Boarding Team and Combat Diver Detachment, first aid and pre-hospital care, as well as maintenance of electronic systems and the basics of storage in compartments.
During the ship’s stay in port, the Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Nelson de Oliveira Leite, visited the facilities of the Cape Verde Coast Guard Command and the Brazilian Naval Advisory Mission in the country, whose mission is to promote cooperation between the Forces in the field of Defense, technical and professional training and the sharing of military experiences.
ZOPACAS
Established in 1986 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 41/11, ZOPACAS is made up of 24 countries, 21 of which are South African and 3 South American. On April 17 and 18 of this year, its VIII Ministerial Meeting was held in the city of Mindelo. On that occasion, Cape Verde took over the leadership of the forum for two years. The next meeting will take place in Brazil.
The South Atlantic has high socio-economic potential. ZOPACAS therefore contributes to the development of cooperation agreements between the countries of the region, in order to disseminate successful national experiences in a wide range of strategic areas. To this end, the MB, together with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adopts actions aimed at the joint development of the countries and Maritime Security in the area.
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias