Mozambique thanks India for rescuing sailors from pirates

New Delhi, March 28

 Mozambique Prime Minister Aires Bonafacio Baptista Ali Monday thanked India for rescuing 12 of its nationals from a hijacked ship by pirates.

"Let me ... express our deep appreciation to the government of India for the actions undertaken by its maritime forces which culminated with the rescue to 12 Mozambicans (taken) hostage since last February," he said in his opening remarks at the CII-Exim Bank India-Africa conclave.

"These actions demonstrate the commitment of the (Indian) government to cooperate with our government in preventing and combating piracy in the Indian Ocean," he said.

The Indian Navy this month arrested 61 heavily armed pirates and rescued 13 sailors from captivity from Vega 5, a Mozambique-flagged fishing vessel which was hijacked by pirates Dec 28 in the Arabian Sea.

"In Mozambique and within the SADC (Southern African Development Region), we have established coordinated mechanism to strengthen the struggle against piracy. I believe India will continue to support our government and SADC in this field," Ali added.

--IANS