A regional maritime training dubbed "Cutlass Express 2013" kicked off on Tuesday in Africa's Red Sea state Djibouti, with the participation of Ugandan, Somali and Sudanese naval forces, as well as foreign forces based there.

The regional maritime training is meant to boost the capacity of regional forces to fight against maritime piracy. It is being conducted in three regional countries including Tanzania, the Seychelles and Djibouti.

The training exercise is in response to the desire by these countries to make their maritime zone more secure.

After a week-long theoretical training, the second part of the exercise will be staged in the sea under the supervision of American marines.

"This military exercise will enable the naval forces in the region to better coordinate their actions," said Djibouti's marine commander, Col. Cher.

He said all participants are committed to reinforcing maritime capacities of the regional countries so that they are able to fight against criminal elements operating in the sea in the region.

A recent report by the International Maritime Bureau showed that piracy in this part of the world had considerably reduced. Endi

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