Italy’s navy is seeking to conduct future collaboration with the Philippine Navy (PN), including running joint exercises to prepare for common security concerns, a military official disclosed Wednesday, March 8.

Capt. Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson, said this was revealed during the courtesy visit of Captain Maurizio Pitton, non-resident attache of Italy to the Philippines, at the PN Headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, March 7.

Negranza said Pitton spoke with Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, PN Chief of Naval Staff, on “matters involving Philippine-Italian relations.”

“We would like to take an opportunity to engage with the navies we are visiting to explore possibilities of interaction among the crews and heavy exercises,” Pitton said.

Pitton also discussed with Ezpeleta future concerning new concept and new generation patrol vessels, Negranza noted.

He said the discussion could help the PN to hasten the realization of its modernization program.

Meanwhile, Ezpleta thanked Pitton as he expressed confidence that the PN will have a sustained collaboration with the Italian Navy.

“They are among the right people to help the Philippine Navy,” Ezpleta said.