A cooperation protocol aimed at enhancing collaboration in the field of the law of the sea was signed on 7th February 2026 between the Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM) and the Dar Es Salaam Maritime Institute (Chuo Cha Baharı Dar Es Salaam – DMI) of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The signing ceremony was hosted by the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute and held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Bekir Gezer, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tanzania.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, DEHUKAM Chair of the Board Mr. Süleyman Önel emphasized the importance of academic and institutional cooperation to be developed between Türkiye and Tanzania in the field of sea and maritime law. Providing information on DEHUKAM’s activities carried out within the framework of international cooperation, partnerships established with African countries, and ongoing academic work in the field of sea and maritime law, Mr. Önel stated that the signed protocol would lay the groundwork for concrete and sustainable cooperation between the two institutions. He also referred to DEHUKAM’s managerial and operational structure, underlining that the Center’s activities at national and international levels contribute to strengthening relations with Africa.
In his remarks, H.E. Dr. Bekir Gezer, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tanzania, highlighted the existing friendly relations between Türkiye and Tanzania, the increasing volume of trade, and the multidimensional areas of cooperation between the two countries. He noted that the protocol signed between DEHUKAM and the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute would further deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of the law of the sea. Ambassador Gezer also underlined that DMI is one of the leading maritime institutions in Tanzania and that the postgraduate programs conducted in the field of sea and maritime law offer significant opportunities within the scope of this cooperation.At the same time, Ambassador Gezer, who is accredited to the East African Community on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye, emphasized the importance of the sea and maritime law affairs for the countries of the region and stated that strengthening DEHUKAM’s cooperation with these countries would create opportunities for mutual benefit
In her address, Prof. Dr. Tumaini Gurumo, Director of the Dar es Salaam Maritime Institute, stated that the signed cooperation protocol directly aligns with DMI’s core mission of maritime education and academic studies in sea and maritime law. Noting that DMI conducts education and research activities not only in maritime training but also in the fields of international trade and maritime law, Prof. Dr. Gurumo emphasized that cooperation with DEHUKAM would make a substantial contribution to strengthening academic capacity in the field of sea and maritime law and to the development of joint research projects. Recalling that global trade largely relies on maritime transportation, Prof. Dr. Gurumo stressed the strategic importance of enhancing legal expertise in this field.
Within the framework of the signed cooperation protocol, it is envisaged to promote the exchange of researchers and academics, the organization of joint seminars and workshops, and the implementation of joint academic projects in the field of the law of the sea.