The negotiation for Italy’s defense cooperation agreement with the Philippines is now making “progress” and developing “very positively”, Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio told the Manila Bulletin on Monday, Sept. 22, as the two countries work to review the framework for its defense pact.
PH, Italy take step closer to forging defense cooperation deal
Published Sep 23, 2025 08:01 am
Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Davide Giglio in an interview with the Manila Bulletin during his visit on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (Raymund Antonio/MB)
The envoy said a review of the general framework will be “the first step of a series of possible successive steps.”
“It is, of course, a process. Maybe the countries you have pointed out are at a more advanced stage of this process, so we will incrementally enhance our cooperation with the Philippines, starting from a general framework agreement which is being discussed by the two sides,” he explained.
“But certainly, we are committed to a process of knowing each other, understanding what are the needs of both sides, exchanging information. So, this is a conversation that is developing very positively and I believe it may lead to further steps along the road,” he added.
The ambassador assured that the two countries “are making progress” in their defense ties, and that the cooperation will be “stricter than in the past.”
The Philippines has existing defense agreements with the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, and talks underway with Canada and France.
These increased maritime and defense alliances came on the heels of China’s aggressive actions in the region, which it continues to claim almost in its entirety despite the 2016 arbitral tribunal win that invalidated the basis of these claims.
Giglio also expressed Italy’s interest in the development and peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Giglio discusses the key areas of collaboration and shared interests with the Philippines. (Photo by Jeffrey Lim/MB)
“The presence of the Italian Navy in the Indo-Pacific and also in the South China Sea is a testament to this commitment,” he said.
“Italy supports the 2016 ruling on the West Philippine Sea and we are in favor of peace and stability in this region and disapprove of any action that would unilaterally try to change the status quo,” the ambassador added.
And as they follow the developments in the region “very closely,” Giglio stressed that “we want to be a factor… a contributor to the peace and stability of this region and to the preservation of international law and the freedom of navigation in international waters.”
“So, we will remain committed to these goals and work very closely with the Philippines on this,” he added.
Italy sees ‘next level’ in ties
As the Philippines and Italy look to celebrate 80 years of their diplomatic relations in 2027, the ambassador said that the two countries have a “comprehensive and development relationship” across social, politics, economics, and trade.
“So, it's an already stable and robust and solid relationship, but I think in the next few years, it will grow and it will go to the next level because there is a lot that two countries can exchange and learn from each other and support each other in so many departments that it's only a matter to make things happen,” he added.
Giglio noted that Italy hosts 170,000 Filipinos, the largest community of Filipinos based in Europe. And while the trade relations is currently “below its potential,” the envoy said that they are working “to bring it to the next level.”