PH Navy sets sights on ties with Turkish counterpart

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy is setting its sights on strategic ties with Turkey as it continues to build up its capabilities.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo was in Turkey last week where he met his counterpart Admiral Adnan Özbal, the commander of Turkey’s naval forces.

The top naval officers of the two countries expressed commitment to improve bilateral relations, Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said in a statement on Thursday (April 22).

The two officers discussed the prospect of holding naval exercises, maritime security collaboration and personnel exchanges for training, which could be made possible through a framework of agreement on defense cooperation.

“The successful engagement with the Turkish Navy has paved the way for the development of close and cordial relations between the two navies that could result in a strategic partnership in the maritime domain,” Negranza said.

Bacordo, who was joined by some ranking Navy officials, also visited the Military Factory and Shipyard Management Corporation (ASFAT), a Turkish state-owned defense contractor.

ASFAT expressed interest in providing technology and equipment for the Philippine Navy’s upgrading program.

TSB