The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday welcomed the signing of a renewed bilateral agreement with Italy, describing it as a “concrete step” toward deeper military ties and improved maritime security.

The Agreement between the Philippines and Italy on Cooperation in the Field of Defense was signed Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Germany.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto finalized the deal following more than a year of review.

The DND said in a statement to DAILY TRIBUNE that the pact will focus on long-term capability development and greater interoperability between the two nations.

“Our efforts reflect a shared commitment to long-term capability development and greater interoperability, anchored on mutual respect and strategic trust,” the DND said. “The Department values our European partner’s expanding engagement in the Indo-Pacific.”

The new agreement replaces an expired memorandum of understanding and broadens the scope of cooperation. It includes specific provisions for procurement, defense co-production, logistics and technology collaboration.

Lazaro characterized the signing as a move to advance practical cooperation between Manila and Rome. Beyond procurement, the deal is expected to allow for joint defense production and the exchange of military technology.

The DND added that it looks forward to “sustained cooperation that strengthens maritime security, promotes global stability, and advances mutual interests.”