The excellent military to military bilateral relationship between Malta and Italy was the theme of discussion between Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela and Italy Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti during her brief official visit to Malta. Both ministers highlighted the special rapport built between the two forces thanks to shared rich history and the positive collaboration that still exists to date.
Both ministers highlighted their willingness to further enhance cooperation in the field of military training between both countries. They reviewed the possibility of coordinating Italian mobile training teams in Malta to train and certify soldiers in different tactical skills. Both delegations discussed that such partnership follows the success in training offered to various AFM commissioned and non commissioned officers in different areas of specialization in prestigious Italian Military Academies.
The Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta Jeffrey Curmi who was present for the meeting, discussed the strengthening of alliance between AFM and Italian counterparts in the preparation for EU missions aimed at safeguarding Southern European Borders. He remarked the commitment of the Armed Forces of Malta to extend its participation from national operations to EU missions such as those taking place under the auspices of CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) and Frontex. Examples include AFM's participation with air and naval assets in Frontex Joint Operation Triton. AFM staff officers are currently participating in Frontex Triton and EUNAVFOR MED, both missions being coordinated in Rome. Mr Curmi concluded that together with their Italian counterparts, AFM soldiers work around the clock in border patrol operations under the coordination of the Maritime Rescue Centre in Rome.
Following the bilateral meeting, Minister Pinotti accompanied by Minister Abela and Italian Ambassador to Malta Gionanni Umberto de Vito, was welcomed by Monseigneur Alousius Deguara and toured around the Cathedral of Imdina where she expressed her admiration for the exhibited works of art and the historic surroundings.