Malta to coordinate joint military exercise

The ninth joint Italian-Maltese exercise "Canale '02", to be held over the next seven days, will be coordinated by Malta and will engage four ships, seven patrol boats, three airplanes and five helicopters.

The exercise will take place in the Mediterranean sea surrounding the Maltese archipelago between today and September 13.

The exercise is aimed primarily at enhancing cooperation and friendship among the armed forces of Italy and Malta as well as other countries involved in the Euro-Mediterranean ongoing process.

The main objectives will be to improve cooperation and operational capabilities of both the air and naval forces in maritime search and rescue operations in support of people and vessels in distress at sea and in the control and inspection of merchant ships suspected of illegal activities.

As in the past, France, Greece, Libya, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Tunisia have been invited to participate in the exercise.

A VIP event with the participation of both Italian and Maltese political and military authorities is expected to be held on board the Francesco Mimbelli on Thursday, giving the authorities the opportunity to observe the improved capabilities gained by the crews involved in this training activity.