This content was published on February 19, 2023 – 5:15 PM February 19, 2023 – 5:15 PM
Montevideo, 19 February (EFE).- As part of its “multi-mission” operation in the South Atlantic, the US Coast Guard ship Stone (uscgc, in English) arrived in Uruguay this Sunday with the aim of proceeding to that country Reducing illegal maritime activities and promoting the application of the law of the sea in the region.
“Stone’s deployment is focused on developing partnerships and enhancing U.S. interoperability with South American nations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing,” the North American country’s embassy said in a statement.
In this sense, the defense attaché of the United States Embassy in Uruguay, Colonel Symon, indicated that this is the second visit by this ship to the South American country in the last two years.
“This ship is a commitment to protecting and exploiting the natural resources in our seas. Its mission is to ensure the application of the law so that the oceans are protected from all forms of illegal activity,” he said.
He also noted that while he is in the port of Montevideo, they plan to conduct exercises with the National Navy.
Meanwhile, he estimated that this visit was a “perfect start” for celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between Uruguay and the United States signed in 1953.
“We are very proud of this relationship and look forward to continuing this association with the benefits it brings to the people of both countries for many more years to come,” he concluded.
Uruguay and the United States are parties to the Port State Measures Agreement, the first binding international agreement on IUU fishing.
Stone is the ninth Legend-class homeland security cutter in the Coast Guard fleet and is currently based in Charleston, South Carolina. EFE
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