Canale 2010 promotes Mediterranean cooperation

The 17th edition of the bilateral Italo-Maltese aero-naval exercise Canale 2010 came to an end this morning with a conference on board the Italian navy ship Foscari at the Valletta Waterfront.

Rear Admiral Roberto Camerini, commander of the Italian surveillance patrol, said the aim of the exercise was to promote cooperation in the 5+5 region, focusing on search and rescue and law enforcement.

Col. Emanuel Mallia, the officer in charge of the Maltese side, said the aims this year were to enhance cooperation, develop a centre on land to direct operations and establish a common communication network.

Lt Col Claudio Spiteri said the exercise was 96 hours long, it involved seven ships and boats and six fixed wing and rotary assets.

The countries that took part were Malta, Italy, Algeria, France, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and Tunisia.

The exercise’s manoeuvres, scenarios and drills were held in and around Maltese waters, and they were organised into a number of phases, each designed to exercise its participants in a number of different skills.

All assigned tasks focused on soft security issues rather than more traditional war-fighting skills.

The training scenarios’ aims were successfully achieved through improving cooperation and the operational capabilities of the participating air and naval forces.

Parliamentary assistant Franco Debono was present for this morning's event.