In response to a surge in attacks by Somali pirates along the east coast of Africa, South Africa signed a maritime cooperation agreement with Tanzania and Mozambique on Tuesday.South Africa’s Department of Defense said in a statement that the three countries will work together to secure the territorial waters of each respective country, local media reported. Under the agreement the three forces have rights to patrol, search, arrest and undertake pursuit operations on any maritime crime suspect or pirate.This will include the three parties sending members to participate in the combined maritime operations aimed at searching and interdicting bases of pirates and other illegal activities in the territorial waters.

South African Defense Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said the three countries have taken a lead in implementing the maritime strategy endorsed by the Southern African Developing Community.