The coastal countries of the Indian Ocean, including Mozambique, are vulnerable to pirate operations, according to an observation by the Italian Military Navy.

Commander Giuseppe Lucafò told journalists in Maputo today that Mozambique, as well as other countries that share the same ocean waters, can suffer from situations such as commercial and energy trafficking, and pirate fishing.

According to Lucafò, the presence of pirates in sovereign waters entails losses for countries, while the maritime operations of these nations can be compromised.

He was speaking in the Port of Maputo where the Luigi Rizzo, Italy's flagship frigate, docked two days ago.

On the occasion, however, he assured that during the navigation between Cabo Delgado province and Maputo City "no pirate actions or suspicions of piracy were observed".

Asked about a possible intervention by the Italian Navy to support the Mozambican counterpart, in particular terrorism in Cabo Delgado, Admiral Davide Da Pozzo explained that, just yesterday, an agreement was signed with the Armed and Defense Forces of Mozambique for cooperation in all military areas.

He said that the agreement would allow for exchanges between the countries and, as is already the case, for the military to exchange and gather experiences in both countries.

With regard to Cabo Delgado, he clarified that the Italian military action will be limited to what Mozambique requests, and that "it is the responsibility of each country to direct the experiences of cooperation to the areas that are its priorities".

The Italian ambassador to Mozambique said that military cooperation with Mozambique in the logistical field is limited to the supply of non-lethal material.

"But we would have no problem supplying arms if the country requested it," said Gabriele Annis.