Welcome from Admiral Bruno Branciforte Chief of the Italian Navy

“I am pleased to introduce you to the sixth MAST event to be held in Rome this November.

MAST's relevance grows every year, with richer content and a proven format that successfully combines its Trade Show and Technical Conference: The Italian Navy is therefore proud to have followed MAST's development since its inception in 2006, significantly contributing to the success of its second edition, in Genoa, in November 2007.

MAST is fast (and effectively) delivering its ambitious objective of becoming the preferred global forum for the discussion of future capabilities and concepts in the several domains of maritime defence and security. Indeed, based on reports from Italian Navy officers who participated in previous MAST events, I am glad for their increased awareness on new enabling technologies and policies, and their chance to meet up with the representatives of the international maritime community.

I am impressed by the inclusion of this year’s guest topic sessions on "Freedom of the Seas". This is one of the hottest topics for worldwide Navies', and particularly relevant to Italy, given the strong maritime connotation of its economy. In fact, today’s maritime environment faces several threats: piracy; illegal traffics; terrorism; and transportation of weapons of mass destruction. Since maritime traffic is a key enabler of global economies, these threats need to be effectively countered to avoid heavy consequences to the world's stability, prosperity and peace. Cooperation by all involved leaders in the international community is therefore key to effectively facing the impending concerns for global maritime security. Certainly, since the start of my mandate at the helm of the Italian Navy, I have focused on the development of concepts and structures to affirm the Navy's central role in maritime security, at both the national and international level. In this light, a new Navy's concept for "Maritime Territorial Defence", in line with the current laws and legal frameworks, will soon be rolled out.

Let me conclude by spotlighting the very special site chosen for MAST 2010: Rome (a marvellous city that needs no introduction) and wishing all the best to MAST participants. I sincerely hope that the MAST community enjoys both the professional and social aspects of this remarkable event, and am truly looking forward to the greatest success of MAST 2010”.