The 42^nd Session of ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Maputo, Mozambique came to a close yesterday with calls for the strengthening of maritime security and strict implementation of the rules of international maritime laws. Kenya delegation to Maputo was led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss.

While making her remarks during the discussion on the agenda on “Enhancing Cooperation on Maritime Security and promoting rule of law on our oceans” the Deputy Speaker who is also a co-rappouteur of the Committee on Political affaris called on the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly to work together to strengthen its effort in addressing maritime security and promoting the rule of law on the oceans.

She noted that threats related to maritime security affect us all; coastal and landlocked countries alike. She further noted that maritime security is under threat at an alarming level citing challenges around contested boundaries and navigation routes that do not conform to international law.

 “It is clear that the prospects and aspirations of maritime domain are today facing complex and highly dynamic traditional and non-traditional maritime security threats that portend a direct consequence of national security,” she said.

She added that in order to sustain the ocean's benefits for our economies, livelihoods, and well-being, Parliamentarians needed to mobilise urgent and sustained action.

Hon. Boss listed threats of terrorism and the upsurge of piracy in the western Indian Ocean region as having led to regional and national reaction to the maritime asymmetric threats.

She called upon member states to provide concrete recommendations on new ACP-EU Partnership Agreement that will not only enrich the resolution but also provide a Parliamentary dimension on the implementation of the new agreement in relation to Maritime Security.

The 42^nd Session of the Joint Assembly was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Mozambique His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.

ACP-EU brings together an equal number of elected Members of Parliament from African, Caribbean and Pacific States and Members of the European Parliament. Its main role is to promote human rights, democracy and create greater understanding between EU and ACP States.

The other Members of the delegation in Maputo were Hon. Dr. Lilian Gogo, Hon. Martin Wanyonyi and Sen. Tabitha Mutinda.