Italian Navy statement
It is in this spirit that the official visit of the Chief of Staff of the French Navy, Admiral Pierre Vandier, has taken place on March 1st in Palazzo Marina. Admiral Vandier was welcomed by the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
This event has been the first meeting opportunity between Admiral Vandier – since he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Marine Nationale, on September 1st 2020 – and Admiral Cavo Dragone.
Also in consideration of the numerous interests shared by the two Navies (and therefore by the two Nations), this meeting has taken place in a framework of cooperation and dialogue that is paramount to ensure a safe and secure environment in the Wider Mediterranean. In this sense, the French Navy is a strategic partner for the Italian Navy, with a privileged relation notably in terms of cooperation in several sectors of interest: operational, education and training, and technical-logistic.
During the visit, the two delegations had the opportunity to discuss numerous issues of interest, as well as common grounds related to the domains of engagement as naval forces: the Italian Navy and the Marine Nationale operate in the Mediterranean, Gulf of Guinea and Horn of Africa.
In this framework, a number of multilateral initiatives are underway with the aim of strengthening Maritime Security, in order to be able to intervene timely and effectively when necessary, to protect national and European interests.
The meeting – which was very positive and productive – strengthened the relationship between the two Nations, undeniably enhancing safety and security in the Wider Mediterranean, a mission for which the Marine Nationale is an ideal partner. In this sense, the visit has likewise promoted the definition of a common route at EU and NATO level, thus catalysing the enhancement of multilateral partnerships and interactions for matters of common interest.
