PH, Italy to hold talks for improved military cooperation – envoy

From CNN Philippines (Jul 8, 2023): PH, Italy to hold talks for improved military cooperation – envoy (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Italian navy ship Francesco Morosini arrives in the Philippines for a goodwill visit.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8) — The Philippines and Italy are expected to hold discussions to strengthen defense ties, Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente said on Saturday following the arrival of Italian navy ship Francesco Morosini in Manila for a goodwill visit.

In a media briefing, the Italian envoy said both sides are working hard “to finalize a memorandum” on this.

“There will be negotiations also to reach a more, let's say, more clear juridical context in the form of some agreements to improve the cooperation in the military industry context,” Clemente said.

“The Italian technology in this field is amazing… We have a lot to offer, and I'm glad to say that the Philippines, they have a lot to ask, and they are very interested in our technology,” he added.

The ambassador also affirmed Italy's position that a rules-based international order must prevail in disputed waters, as he expressed support for the 2016 landmark ruling by a tribunal in The Hague which upheld Manila's sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone in the contested South China Sea.

Clemente said the legally binding arbitral award “set clear the concept that international law should always rule, as far as the law of the sea is concerned.”

“I think that the mission of the Morosini is in line with this award,” he added.

The Italian vessel made a port call in Manila as part of a five-month naval campaign in the Indo-Pacific region. The ambassador said the ship's tour is “a clear signal” that the region is important to Italy and that his country wants to play a role in ensuring stability in the area.

“Italy is very much interested in the stability of the region, and this is a military aspect also that must be thrashed out during the meetings that will take place in the context of this visit,” he said.

“The Indo-Pacific region is crucial not only for obvious geostrategic reasons, but also let's not forget that through this area, the main bulk of the international trade goes through. So, stability in this region means also free trade and stability of the economic situation, which is in the interest of all countries,” Clemente explained.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/8/ph-italy-talks-military-cooperation.html