Good Afternoon,

Let me also thank the Government of Mauritania and the U.S. Embassy for having us here today.  This is a visit that I’ve looked forward to for a long time, and I am truly excited to be here again.

The U.S. Coast Guard has, for more than 200 years, safeguarded our citizens, secured our maritime borders and served as a responsible steward of the world’s oceans. 

But maritime threats like illegal fishing, piracy, illegal migration, drug smuggling, arms proliferation and environmental crimes are shared threats in the global economy of today, and as such we share the responsibility of working with international partners as part of a global effort to improve the overall maritime safety, security and stewardship interests we all share.

I’m glad to report that the U.S. Coast Guard already enjoys a relationship with Mauritania.  On more than one occasion, liaison officers from the U.S. Coast Guard’s International Port Security Program have visited Mauritania.  These officers travel around the world to meet with countries that trade with the United States, and are committed to assisting foreign nations improve security measures in their ports in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.  In return we invite officials from other nations to reciprocal visits in select U.S. ports to observe the Coast Guard’s procedures for implementing the international code.

I’m also very pleased to report that later this year Mauritanian Maritime Officers are scheduled to visit the U.S. and attend the U.S. Coast Guard’s Specialized English Language training, International Leadership and Management (ILAM), International Crisis Command and Control (ICCC), International Maritime Officer (IMOC), Boarding Officer and Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) on-the-job training courses.

During this trip we have already had great discussions about the shared concerns for robust port and coastal security, improving maritime domain awareness, the importance of international and inter-agency relationships, and how these will positively impact Mauritania and the overarching global environment. 

I look forward to even more discussions as we move forward, and see this trip as a stepping stone in that process, ultimately improving the collaborative building of regional maritime partnerships, awareness and operational capabilities that strengthen the entire international maritime community. 

On behalf of the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, I want to again thank the Government of Mauritania, especially the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Transportation, the Director of Friendship Port, the Director of Maritime Transportation, the DSPCM, and the Director of the Port Autonome of Nouadhibou and all of the other organizations, including the U.S. Embassy, in making this a valuable visit.

Vice Admiral D. Brian Peterman
Commander, Atlantic Area United States Coast Guard

Nouakchott May 17, 2007.