The government has announced a new strategy to fight piracy and armed robbery at sea. 

The strategy sets a framework for Denmark's overall political, developmental and military efforts against piracy for the years 2015-18.

"Most of our actions are focused on the Horn of Africa [the coasts of Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya], but from now on we are also going to concentrate on the Gulf of Guinea in west Africa [the coasts of 12 countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon], where piracy and armed robbery has become a growing international concern," said Martin Lidegaard, the foreign minister.

Our duty as a maritime nation
"As a maritime nation, it is vital we do what we can to protect shipping and seafarers."

Nicolai Wammen, the defencse minister, pointed out that the new strategy will follow up on Denmark's previous engagement in combating piracy.

"Although, we see a significant drop in piracy around the Horn of Africa, it is important we don't rest on our laurels. If we don't keep pressure on the pirates, the risk is still there," Wammen noted. 

Strengthening countries in the region
The trade and development minister, Mogens Jensen, also emphasised the need to tackle piracy and armed robbery on the sea as it negatively affects the coastal states. 

"Development assistance is one of the key instruments we use to strengthen countries in the regions, so they will be able to handle piracy problems," Jensen commented.

"The 15 million kroner the government has allocated will also be used for capacity-building and stronger institutions in the countries in the west African region."