The document was signed by South Africa’s Minister of Transport Dipou Peters and the AMP Administrator and Minister of Maritime Affairs Jorge Barakat.
Both parties have agreed upon a number of areas for cooperation including safety and security; seafarers and crew matters; marine and maritime training; ports and transportation matters and recognition of documents.

“This agreement has important and relevant issues for both parties such as seafaring training, advice of Ports Development and Management, and those concerning Merchant Marine safety and security. Being aware of South Africa’s initiative of Blue Economy, which is handled in South Africa by the Department of Transport [that you lead Mme Minister Peters] Panama commits to assist through our Maritime Authority with our know-how and expertise in order to secure a success for the said African Venture,” Barakat said.

“Following this agreement, South Africa will encourage exchange programmes in which we will send our youth to be trained as Seafarers and receive sea-time on-board Panama registered ships,” said Minister Peters.

The parties agreed to establish a Joint Technical Committee to fast-track the implementation of the agreed areas of cooperation.