Historic Italian navy ship to visit Doha

The embassy of Italy in Doha on Monday celebrated the 'Italian National Unity and Armed Forces Day', held on the occasion of the anniversary of the end to World War I, a statement said.

The ceremony was attended by Italian ambassador Paolo Toschi, Italian defence attaché Colonel Fausto Ricchetti, and Italian Representative to the Nato Military Committee Admiral Dario Giacomin, diplomats, members of the Italian and Qatari armed forces and other dignitaries.

The embassy noted that the celebration was an opportunity to reaffirm the strong co-operation in the defence sector between Qatar and Italy, outlined in the occasion of the State Visit of His Highness the Amir to Rome on October 20-22.

The embassy noted that the ever growing partnership between Qatar and Italy will be uniquely honoured by the stationing of the ship 'Amerigo Vespucci', the oldest active military vessel in the Italian Navy, at Old Doha Port from December 17-22 on the occasion of Qatar’s National Day.

Commissioned in 1931, it is an 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 on board visits.

An 'Italian Village' will be set up alongside the ship, with the aim of promoting Italian culture, art, and lifestyle through conferences, business and institutional meetings, movies, concerts, cooking shows, immersive exhibitions, art, sport, technology, design.

“The presence of the ship in Qatar, as well as the rich programme of activations that will be arranged within the Village will be our way to homage 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 His Highness the Amir during his State Visit to Rome in October” the envoy said.

Defence attaché Colonel Ricchetti 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 emergency situations.

“Silently and consistently, men and women from Italian Armed Forces bring everyday safety and peace across four continents, supporting 35 active missions around the world.

“My sincere thanks goes to our counterpart, my friends in Qatar, for their partnership: our joint efforts have fostered a spirit of co-operation that strengthens not only our missions but also the bonds between our nations”, he said.