On September 17, 2024, civilian and military experts from 35 European Union (EU), Latin American, and Caribbean (LAC) countries, along with key decision-makers, gathered in Cartagena, Colombia, for the Fourth Seminar on Security and Defense.
The seminar, organized by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), and the Spanish Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional (CESEDEN), in collaboration with the Escuela Superior de Guerra (ESDEG) and others, focused on exchanging views on global challenges, sharing best practices, and exploring opportunities to enhance security and defence cooperation.
Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides, Commander of the Colombian National Navy, delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of National Defense, Iván Velásquez Gómez.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening international collaboration in the maritime domain for Latin American countries.
In his address, Admiral Cubides referenced CRIMARIO, highlighting it as a prime example of successful international cooperation in maritime security.
He described it as “a succesful model for creating information-sharing mechanisms, capacity development, and improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).”
Additionally, the IORIS platform, designed for communication, coordination, and collaboration among partners, was recognized for its effective use in Colombia.
Admiral Cubides praised IORIS for helping coordinate maritime operations, combat transnational organized crime, and address illicit activities such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing.
He also stressed the significance of IORIS Community Areas (CAs), which bring together countries and agencies based on geography or specific themes. These structure, he noted, facilitate smoother information exchange and enhance operational coordination at sea, enabling greater capacity to address emerging threats and safeguard vital maritime routes.
You can read Admiral Cubides’s address below.
Speech for the Fourth Seminar on Security and Defence – European Union and Latin American and Caribbean Countries
“Distinguished representatives of the European Union, the European Security and Defence College, the National Defence Studies Centre, ambassadors, colleagues from Latin American and Caribbean countries, and esteemed guests:
Today, I have the honor of addressing you on behalf of the Minister of National Defence, Iván Velásquez Gómez, who, unfortunately, cannot be here due to unavoidable commitments. However, he has entrusted me with the important mission of conveying a message of great relevance for the security and defence of our countries, particularly regarding the strengthening of international cooperation in the maritime domain.
We find ourselves at a crucial moment in our history, where the security of maritime spaces is becoming increasingly important, not only for the protection of our resources but also to ensure global trade, economic development, and the stability of our regions. This seminar represents a solid step toward strengthening the ties between the European Union and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, who share the same challenges and must therefore collaborate to address them together.
It is important to highlight the valuable participation of the 30 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as our partners from the European Union; this reflects our shared commitment to global maritime security. This diversity of actors and their perspectives enriches the debate and strengthens our collective capacity to confront transnational threats. Cooperation among these nations is essential to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. The active participation of all these countries demonstrates our firm and united commitment to ensuring stability and security in our oceans, for the benefit of our regions and the world.
CRIMARIO: A Pillar of International Cooperation in Maritime Security
Since the establishment of the CRIMARIO program in 2015, the European Union has taken a significant step forward in consolidating a framework for international cooperation focused on enhancing maritime security. What began in the Western Indian Ocean has expanded to include the Indo-Pacific region, and today, thanks to its extension into the Pacific and Latin America, we find ourselves at a strategic point where our nations can greatly benefit from the capabilities this project offers.
CRIMARIO II has proven to be a successful model for creating information exchange mechanisms, capacity development, and improving Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). In Colombia, we have adopted the IORIS platform in our Naval Operations Centres, allowing us to better coordinate our maritime operations, combat transnational organized crime, and address illicit activities such as drug trafficking and illegal fishing. This platform is a powerful tool for real-time information sharing, and we are committed to continuing its use to enhance our maritime interdiction capabilities.
A Comprehensive Approach to Maritime Security
CRIMARIO II has not only facilitated collaboration between countries and agencies but has also promoted a comprehensive approach that recognizes that maritime security extends beyond the military dimension. This initiative encompasses economic, social, and technological elements, allowing for a more effective response to the threats we face in our seas. Cooperation among Information Fusion Centres (IFCs) and interoperability through SHARE.IT are clear examples of how the unification of forces and data sharing can make a significant difference in regional and international security.
We understand that organized crime, illicit activities, and environmental challenges present in our oceans cannot be solved by a single country. We need a coordinated and sustained response among all nations that share these seas and rely on them for the well-being of our economies and populations.
Challenges and Opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean
In Latin America and the Caribbean, we face a complex maritime reality. Drug trafficking, illegal fishing, and piracy continue to be challenges that must be addressed with rigor and determination. The coastlines of our countries are extensive, and our trade routes are vital not only for our economies but also for the food security of millions of people.
That is why this seminar is an excellent opportunity to share experiences, discuss strategies, and enhance collaboration on maritime security issues. The IORIS Community Areas (CAs), which group countries and agencies by geography or specific themes, facilitate smoother information exchange and more effective operational coordination at sea. This translates into a greater capacity to confront emerging threats and protect our strategic maritime routes.
Cooperation Between the European Union and Latin America
The European Union has been an invaluable partner for Latin America in matters of security and defence. Through initiatives like CRIMARIO II, we have been able to strengthen our capabilities to better protect our seas and ensure regional stability. However, beyond the operational aspects, it is important to highlight that this cooperation has been fundamental in building trust among our nations, which is essential for the success of any multilateral effort in the realm of global security.
Colombia, as a country committed to peace and regional security, reiterates its willingness to continue collaborating closely with its European and regional partners. We know that only through cooperation and the unification of efforts can we effectively confront our shared challenges.
Reflection
The phrase by Admiral James Stavridis, which states: “Global security demands that, while in the past, states built walls to protect themselves, now they build alliances,” offers us a powerful and relevant reflection in the context of this Fourth Seminar on Security and Defense.
In the past, national security was conceived as an issue that could be addressed in isolation, with physical fortifications or strategies that sought to protect internal matters at all costs. However, the world has changed. Current threats, such as transnational organized crime, terrorism, cyberattacks, and environmental challenges, do not respect borders. Globalization and interconnection mean that no country can face these challenges alone. Today, true security does not lie in building barriers but in fostering collaboration and establishing solid and lasting alliances.
This seminar is, in essence, a living representation of this new reality. The cooperation between the European Union and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean reflects this paradigm shift. Through strategic alliances like CRIMARIO, we have learned that the exchange of information, interoperability, and operational coordination are our best defences against shared threats. Thus, our “walls” today are relationships based on mutual trust, the integration of capabilities, and a commitment to joint global security.
Security in the 21st century is no longer about isolation but about joining forces, sharing experiences, and facing challenges together. As allied nations, we build not only for our respective sovereignties but also for the stability and prosperity of the international community as a whole.
The true strength of our nations lies in our ability to build alliances, not walls, and this seminar is a clear demonstration of this new strategic vision, where unity is the most effective shield in defending our people and our future.
In conclusion, I want to leave a message of unity and commitment: The union between our nations and our efforts is key to achieving the objectives we have set in the field of maritime security. Integrity must be the guiding principle in all our actions, both in the military and civilian spheres. And finally, victory will be the result of our determination to protect our seas, our communities, and our strategic interests.
It is a source of pride for Colombia to be part of this joint effort, and we remain firmly committed to building a homeland in defence of life.
Union, Integrity, and Victory
Thank you very much.”