UK Launches Initiative to Enhance Maritime Security in Northern Europe

London, Nov. 10 (KUNA) -- The United Kingdom announced on Tuesday the launch of the Northern Maritimes initiative, led by the British Royal Navy, aimed at enhancing maritime security in northern Europe, the northern Atlantic Ocean, and the Baltic Sea. In a statement, the British Ministry of Defense said that the agreement signed by the ten member states of the Joint Expeditionary Force in Oslo, the capital of Norway, aims to strengthen maritime cooperation and bolster the defenses of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) amid growing threats. The ministry added that participating countries would work to enhance joint military planning, training, and coordination to enable a rapid response to threats, noting that the agreement would allow them to exchange logistical support and coordinate operations during joint missions. It pointed out that the initiative would contribute to providing better protection for critical underwater infrastructure, including undersea communication cables, against sabotage and other hostile activities. It emphasized that the agreement would enhance cooperation among European navies, improve their readiness, and support NATO operations, enabling participating forces to work together effectively during major military operations. The ten signatory countries include the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. The Joint Expeditionary Force was officially launched on September 5, 2014. (End) A.S.H. / M.A.H.A.