Irish Defence Minister Simon Coveney has had defence cooperation talks in Malta with Home Affairs and National Security Minister Carmelo Abela.

The two ministers also visited the Irish frigate LÉ Eithne, berthed at Grand Harbour prior to its return to Ireland following migrant interdiction and rescue operations in the central Mediterranean.

The ministers discussed  military to military relationship and defence cooperation initiatives.

Mr Abela reiteratedhis appreciation for the Irish donation of offshore patrol vessel Aoife now named AFM P62, which is scheduled to arrive in Malta in the coming weeks.

“P62 will help in bridging a gap in Malta’s naval capacity pending our future acquisition of a new offshore patrol vessel,” said he Abela.

The Irish delegation also called at AFM headquarters and met senior officers led by the commander, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi.

Ten Maltese soldiers are currently in Ireland on  specialised courses including damage control, fire fighting and navigation at the National Maritime College of Ireland.

 

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