Turkey Offers Submarine, Surface Ship Training Support to Philippine Navy

Turkey has expressed its willingness to support future training programs for the Philippine Navy (PN), focusing on submarine and surface ship operations, during a recent diplomatic engagement in Manila.

Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Evren Akyol made the offer during his official visit to Naval Station Jose Andrada on Roxas Boulevard, Manila, on June 5. The ambassador met with PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta and conveyed Ankara’s readiness to enhance defense cooperation through education and training.

“(During the meeting) he (Akyol) also expressed Turkey’s readiness to support future training and education programs for submarine and surface ship operations in partnership with the PN,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement over the weekend.

Akyol also congratulated Ezpeleta on his recent appointment as the new Navy chief and discussed Turkey’s upcoming 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025, which will take place this July at the Istanbul Trade Center.

“Turkey is an old friend, heavily invested in the stability of the Philippines, and a strong supporter of its sovereignty,” Akyol said. “We are ready to do our best to further strengthen the Philippines’ defense of its rights and sovereignty.”

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to deepen bilateral defense cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their interest in working together in areas such as maritime security, interoperability, and capacity development as part of ongoing efforts to build a more secure Indo-Pacific region.