Denmark to send frigate, helicopter to Strait of Hormuz

Denmark to send frigate, helicopter to Strait of Hormuz
# 13 December 2019 13:51 (UTC +04:00)

The Danish government will send a frigate, a helicopter and a crew of 155 people to the Strait of Hormuz for four months in the autumn of 2020, Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod and Defence Minister Trine Bramsen (both of the Social Democrat Party) said in a statement after a meeting with the Foreign Policy Committee, APA reports citinmg Sputnik.

“This contribution can help ensure that our ships can sail freely without running into any safety risks,” Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told Danish Radio.

Jeppe Kofod underscored Denmark's special interest in maritime security as the world's fifth-largest seafaring nation. According to him, the Danish contribution should be seen as a complement to other efforts in the region, such as the US-led International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), which includes the UK and Saudi Arabia, to name several participants.

The Danish contribution will form part of a European-led maritime surveillance mission in the Strait of Hormuz, already joined by the Netherlands in late November. In addition, the contribution consists of one to two officers who will be working at the French-led headquarters in Abu Dhabi for 12 months.

Defence Minister Trine Bramsen stressed that Denmark has a capable navy that “takes responsibility” and “stands up for the principles it believes in”.

However, final approval from parliament is still needed for the naval deployment.

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