EU, China sign 5-yr maritime accord

The EU and China today signed a maritime agreement which will enable them to intensify cooperation in security matters, anti-piracy and anti-terrorism measures, the EU Commission said in a statement.

The five-year accord covers matters such as the free provision of maritime services and free access to goods and ports, the statement said.

It also provides for cooperation in the fight against piracy at sea, terrorism and the prevention of maritime pollution.

EU Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio said the agreement formalises the decades-long relationship in maritime affairs between the EU and China.

The agreement was signed by Chinese Communications Minister Zhang Chunxian, de Palacio and Danish Economy Minister Bendt Bendsen, as Denmark currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.