MOSCOW. Aug 9 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed establishing a special agency within the United Nations to tackle maritime crime in various regions.
"Russia stands ready to share our experience in anti-terrorist operations, preventing and averting crime, tracing and suppressing gangs, including in maritime areas," Putin said, speaking via video link at a high-level debate at the UN Security Council on "Enhancing Maritime Security - A Case for International Cooperation."
It would be useful to share on a regular basis the developments and best practices in countering piracy, armed robbery, and other criminal activity at sea, he said.
"In this context, one could think about setting up a special agency within the UN system, which would directly deal with the problems of combating maritime crime in various regions. At the same time, such a body would rely on the support of the UN member states and would actively involve experts, representatives of civil society, scientific and research communities, and even private businesses in its work," Putin said.
He expressed hope that partners will constructively consider Russia's proposal.
As one of the leading maritime powers, Russia is doing a lot to preserve and foster the international legal order in the field of maritime security, Putin said.
"Russia is also interested in building productive interaction with the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation, the Indian Ocean Commission, and of course, we are striving to promote security in the Persian Gulf region, in the Atlantic, in particular, in the Gulf of Guinea, where cases of robberies at sea are accompanied by the taking of hostages," he said.
At the same time, Putin focused on the fact that it is difficult for some countries to independently resist transnational syndicates of criminals, pirates, and terrorists. "That's why there is a question of uniting the power potential of the security services and the corresponding armed contingents of all interested states under the auspices of the UN," he said.
Putin confirmed at the end of his speech that Russia is committed to the common tasks of combating crime at sea in all its forms and manifestations and expressed readiness to promote the development of equal international cooperation in this area.