Web Desk
KARACHI: As the first operational campaign in the Indo-Pacific, the Italian Carrier Strike Group (ICSG), comprising the aircraft carrier Cavour and the frigate Alpino, visited Karachi, Pakistan from 14 to 16 October 2024.
Ambassador H. E. Marilina Armellin received the Commander of the ICSG Commodore Giancarlo Ciappina and the crew of ITS Cavour and ITS Alpino along with Rear Admiral Select Stefano Barbieri. CG of Italy in Karachi Mr. Danilo Giurdanella, Italian Defence Attaché Col. Enrico Rosa and officials from the Pakistan Naval Authorities were also present at the welcome ceremony organised by Pakistan Navy at Karachi harbour.
Later in the afternoon, the ‘Defence Industry Forum’ was held on board ITS Alpino: an event organised by the Secretariat General of Defence and the National Armaments Directorate, in collaboration with the Federation of Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD) to help deepening the dialogue between the Italian and Pakistani defence industries, in order to enhance ongoing cooperation between the two countries.
The ICSG is composed of the flag ship aircraft carrier of the Italian Navy and has made history by being first of its kind moored at Karachi port. Ambassador Armellin and Rear Admiral select Mr. Stefano Barbieri, in representation of Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, held high-level delegation meetings with Pakistan Navy and met with Commander Pakistan Fleet (COMPAK), and Commander Karachi (COMKAR) and other officials to reiterate Italy’s commitment that extends beyond military cooperation, encompassing diplomatic, economic and technological domains.
Ambassador Armellin along with the Commander of the ICSG Rear Admiral Giancarlo Ciappina held a media briefing on board with Pakistani journalists and media representatives of Pakistan Navy.
In the evening, a reception on board the aircraft carrier was held with Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah as the Chief Guest. Numerous other government dignitaries, foreign diplomats, officials from Pakistan Armed Forces, distinguished members of the Pakistani business community and prominent representatives of the civil society also graced the occasion with their presences.
The mooring of the ship at Karachi port signifies not only Italy’s increasing naval engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, but also strengthening of bilateral relations with Pakistan. Italy and Pakistan over the years have been working closely in promoting international cooperation and safeguarding the maritime security interests in the region for lasting peace and cooperation in the region.
Ambassador to Pakistan Armellin, CG of Italy in Karachi Giurdanella, Rear Admiral select Mr. Barbieri and a delegation of the Italian Defence Industry also visited the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, meeting with its Managing Director, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas. On the occasion matters of mutual interests were discussed as well as perspective future cooperation with the Shipyard.
The representatives of Italian Defence industry LEONARDO, Elettronica, MBDA and Fincantieri, who are actively engaged with Pakistan Armed Forces and civilian counterparts were also present.
Before her departure to Islamabad, Ambassador to Pakistan Marilina Armellin payed a courtesy call to the Chief Minister of Sindh, in order to discuss the flourishing University cooperation in Karachi as well as promotion of Italian language and culture. Chief Minister also discussed potential collaboration with Italian companies in the field of infrastructure and development projects for Sindh.
The Pakistan Navy has extended an invitation to the Commanding Officer of ICSG to participate in the forthcoming AMAN 2025 Multilateral Exercises to be hosted by Pakistan Navy in February 2025.
