Ashraf Siddiqui
doha
The Embassy of Italy in Doha recently celebrated the ‘Italian National Unity and Armed Forces Day’. The event was held on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of the World War and to celebrate Italy’s national unity.
The ceremony was attended by HE Paolo Toschi, Ambassador of Italy to the State of Qatar; Col. Fausto Ricchetti, Italian Defense Attaché; Admiral Dario Giacomin, Italian Representative to the NATO Military Committee; diplomats, dignitaries, and members of the Italian and Qatari armed forces.
HE Paolo Toschi said that the ever-growing partnership between Italy and Qatar will be uniquely honoured by the stationing of the ship ‘Amerigo Vespucci’, the oldest active military vessel in the Italian Navy. The vessel will be stationed in Doha’s Old Port from December 17 to 22, on the occasion of Qatar National Day. An ‘Italian Village’ will also be set up alongside the ship to promote Italian culture, art, and lifestyle through conferences, business and institutional meetings, movies, concerts, cooking shows, immersive exhibitions, art, sport, technology, and design.
The Italian envoy, in his address, said, "The friendship between Italy and Qatar’s militaries is one of the pillars of our bilateral relationship.”
He added: "Today, we are proud to celebrate Italy’s National Unity and Armed Forces Day alongside our friends from Qatar Armed Forces. In the same spirit, we are happy to take this opportunity to announce the arrival of ‘Nave Vespucci’ in Doha on the occasion of Qatar National Day.”
"The presence of the ship in Qatar, as well as the rich array of activities that will be arranged within the Village, will be our way to pay homage to the success of our bilateral partnership: a special gift from Italy to Qatar as remarked by the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, to HH the Amir during his State visit to Rome in October,” he said.
Defense Attaché Col. Fausto Ricchetti, in his earlier welcoming speech, said the 2024 National Unity Day and Armed Forces Day’s claim is, ‘Siamo l’Italia’, ‘We are Italy’. "A nation that embraces the future with confidence, supported by the exceptional dedication of our armed forces both at home and abroad, especially during crisis and emergencies.”
Talking about the celebration, he said this was an opportunity to reaffirm the strong cooperation in the defence sector between Italy and Qatar, recently outlined on the occasion of the State visit of His Highness the Amir to Rome on October 20-22.
"The bilateral partnership in the defence sector encompasses all military domains and includes joint training and exercises, as well as industrial and technological cooperation.”
He cited ‘Amerigo Vespucc’ which was commissioned in 1931, as this is a historical, iconic, training ship, as well as Ambassador of UNESCO and UNICEF. "A unique and inimitable symbol of Italy’s maritime and cultural heritage, the ship will be accessible to the public through onboard visits that are sure to awe and attract thousands.”
He said that silently and consistently, men and women from the Italian Armed Forces bring everyday safety and peace across four continents, supporting 35 active missions around the world. "My sincere thanks go to our counterpart, my friends in the State of Qatar, for their partnership; our joint efforts have fostered a spirit of cooperation that strengthens not only our missions but also the bonds between our nations,” he said.