From 4 to 7 December 2023, the Peruvian Navy (BAP) ship "UNIÓN", a sailing ship engaged in a round-the-world trip and intended for the training of cadets of the Peruvian naval school, stopped in the port of Taranto.
Welcoming to the dock, to the tune of the garrison fanfare, were the interregional maritime commander south, division admiral Flavio Biaggi, the minister of the Peruvian embassy in Rome, Miguel Aleman Urteaga, the vice mayor of Taranto, Gianni Azzaro together with the crew's family members and representatives of the Peruvian communities of the Ionian territory. Also present was the commander of the II naval division, division admiral Giacinto Sciandra and the commander of the naval air training center, Rear Admiral Luca Pasquale Esposito.
The stop in the port, included among the initiatives organized by the Peruvian embassy to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Peru and Italy, it was an opportunity to have the local citizens visit the ship and to appreciate the "Casa Perù", a space on board specially set up with an exhibition on "Made in Peru", and a photographic exhibition with precious examples of craftsmanship made by artists from the Peruvian Andes.
The cadets of the Peruvian naval school and the entire crew were given the opportunity to visit some Navy commands present in Taranto and the cultural excellences of the Ionian territory including the Aragonese castle.
“The bond of friendship between the Italian and Peruvian navy is solid and was born far back in time. There is a structured collaboration between the two navies, also in the field of training given that some Peruvian cadets regularly attend the five years of study at the Naval Academy in Livorno. For us it was a great pleasure and a source of satisfaction to be able to host the commander, crew and cadets of this splendid sailing ship in these two days of stay in Taranto and thus strengthen the already consolidated friendly relations between our two navies" the words of Admiral Biaggi.
The voyage around the world of the (BAP) "UNIÓN" will continue towards two other Italian ports, Civitavecchia (12-17 December) and La Spezia (19-22 December).
May the unit's commander, vessel captain José Luis Arce, the 100 cadets of the Peruvian school and the 124 crew members receive a seafaring "good wind" from the women and men of the Taranto area.
