Eight countries to join Malta, Italy on military exercise

The Italian/Maltese air-naval exercise Canale 07 will take place in the waters and airspace outside the bay of Augusta, Sicily, between Friday and June 9, aimed at enhancing cooperation, security and stability in the Mediterranean, the armed forces said.

It will be the 14th annual edition of this exercise, having this year been planned, organised and coordinated by the Italian military and involving naval and air units from other Mediterranean countries.

Algeria, France, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Portugal, Spain and Tunisia, which form part of the "5 + 5 Initiative" have accepted to participate with naval units, patrol boats, aircraft and personnel.

The exercise will therefore be the first 10-nation practical activity aimed at enhancing dialogue between the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean basin, which is what the '5 + 5' seeks to do.

The exercise is expected to improve cooperation and operational capabilities of the participating air and naval forces in peace-support operations, which include maritime search and rescue of persons and aircraft or vessels in distress and checks and inspections of merchant ships suspected of illegal activities.

On June 8, the Exercise Canale directing staff will host distinguished visitors from the Italian and Maltese governments aboard the Italian Navy's ship Espero to observe the maritime activities.