Ambassador Helen Cheney, Australian Ambassador to Portugal, also accredited to Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe, recently visited the MAOC-N headquarters in Lisbon, where she was welcomed by the Centre’s Executive Director. She was accompanied by the Australian Defence Attaché to Portugal, Captain Matt Richardson.
During the visit, Ambassador Cheney and Captain Richardson were briefed on MAOC-N’s activities and ongoing operations. Discussions focused on further strengthening the existing relationship and exploring opportunities for enhanced co-operation between the Centre and Australian authorities.
Despite the geographical distance, MAOC-N has maintained close and longstanding co-operation with Australian authorities, particularly the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
Over the years, this relationship has developed through information exchange and operational co-ordination, supporting joint efforts to counter transnational organised crime and illicit maritime trafficking.
