Philippine Ambassador to Italy Applauds Italy’s Growing Role in Indo-Pacific, Highlights Expanding Bilateral Ties
Rome, The Gulf Observer: Philippine Ambassador to Italy Nathaniel Imperial has commended Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for advancing Italy’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. His remarks came during the celebration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence from Spain, hosted by the Philippine Embassy in Rome.
Ambassador Imperial reaffirmed the Philippines’ dedication to working with Italy and other maritime nations within the European Union to uphold a peaceful, rules-based, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. He described Italy’s outreach to the region as a vital development and praised its leadership, particularly under the current G7 presidency.
“Italy, under Prime Minister Meloni’s leadership, is becoming more engaged in the Indo-Pacific, and the Philippines is positioning itself as both an economic and cultural gateway to this vibrant region,” Imperial stated.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Paolo Formentini, Vice Chair of the Italian House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Imperial highlighted key developments in bilateral relations, including the 2023 visit of Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo to Italy, which solidified cooperation in defense, trade, investment, tourism, and labor. He noted that this partnership has since been further bolstered by the Philippines’ participation in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi—marking the first time the country joined the expanded session, with discussions centered on Indo-Pacific challenges and collaboration.
Looking toward the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, Imperial called for greater engagement with European partners, citing the success of the ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue held last November, where business leaders explored new opportunities for cooperation and private sector participation.
Defense and maritime security have become prominent features of bilateral cooperation. Italy recently deployed several naval assets—including the training ship Amerigo Vespucci, the aircraft carrier Cavour, the patrol vessel Montecuccoli, and the frigate Marceglia—to the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific. These goodwill visits also served diplomatic and humanitarian purposes, reinforcing mutual trust.
Economically, Imperial reported a 10 percent rise in bilateral trade last year and expressed optimism for further growth with the anticipated finalization of the Philippines-European Union Free Trade Agreement. He noted that the Philippine economy remains robust, recording a 5.6 percent GDP growth in 2023, with projections of 6 percent for 2025 and 2026.
Cultural diplomacy between the two nations is also flourishing. The Philippine Embassy in Rome will host a fashion show in July showcasing indigenous Filipino fabrics in partnership with an Italian fashion school. In November, the Embassy will launch the first Philippine Art Break in Rome, highlighting contemporary Filipino art.
Imperial further celebrated recent achievements in culinary diplomacy. The Embassy launched an Italian-language edition of Filipino Food, a guide to Philippine cuisine and restaurants in Rome. Additionally, Rome received its first commercial shipment of Philippine mangoes two weeks ago, which sold out within two days due to overwhelming demand.
Echoing the ambassador’s sentiments, Paolo Formentini emphasized the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific to Italy’s foreign policy. “The South China Sea is far from Italy, but it will shape our future. We must all defend freedom of navigation,” he remarked, reiterating Italy’s commitment to a rules-based international order and strengthened ties with the Philippines.
The celebration marked a milestone in the deepening partnership between Italy and the Philippines, as both countries move to enhance cooperation across diplomatic, economic, defense, and cultural fronts.
