NAVAL STATION JOSE ANDRADA, Manila – Acting Philippine Navy (PN) Flag Officer In Command, Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia, and the visiting non-resident Attaché of Italy to the Philippines, Navy Capt. Maurizio Pitton, advocated to forward the bilateral relations between the two countries during the latter’s introductory call at the PN headquarters in Manila on Wednesday, September 14.
Capt. Pitton congratulated Rear Adm. Valencia on his recent designation as acting Navy chief, and looked forward to sustain Italy’s defense partnership with the PN particularly in terms of materiel and sharing of expertise. He also echoed the priority thrusts of their armed forces that involve keeping the sea lines of communication open.
Rear Adm. Valencia shared the command’s satisfaction with how the multi-purpose AW109 helicopters acquired from Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland have significantly advanced and modernized the PN’s conduct of its mandated tasks. The acting Navy Chief also expressed high hopes to have future agreement for the trainings of PN pilots with Italian counterparts.
Said visit has helped sustain the confidence between the PH and Italian defense forces which benefit the diplomatic ties of the two countries. (VICTOR BALDEMOR)
