Zubair Qureshi
The Embassy of Italy on Sunday celebrated the 78th anniversary of its founding as a republic (June 2, 1946) with its new Ambassador, in fact the first woman ambassador representing Italy in Pakistan, MarilinaArmellin reaffirming her nation’s unwavering commitment to human rights, freedom and equality of citizens.
The national day reception turned out to be a well-attended affair as there is no dearth of friends and well-wishers in Pakistan as far as Italy is concerned.
The star-studded event witnessed a galaxy of guests including parliamentarians, diplomats, representatives from the MoFA, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, members of civil society and of course a large number of the European nationals. National anthems of both the countries were played on the occasion and a cake was also cut to celebrate the day.
Minister for Housing & Works RiazHussainPirzada was the chief guest while Senator Sherry Rehman represented the President of Pakistan.
In his speech RiazHussainPirzada on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan congratulated the ambassador and the Italian nationals on the ‘historic’ day commemorating the democratic referendum which shifted the country from monarchy to a republic. This day is a testament to the resilience of the Italians as a democratic society and celebrates its cultural heritage, science, art, inventions, etc.
Our bilateral institutional mechanism is taking significant strides and is a testament to our mutual commitment. He also talked about the upcoming round of bilateral political consultations to be held on secretary level in Rome later this month.
Italy is Pakistan’s key trading partner and holds tremendous potential for further enhancing economic partnership. Pakistan’s exports to Italy already surpassed US$ 1 billion, he said and hoped for a further boost in bilateral trade in the coming days.
In her welcome address, Ambassador Marilina said June 2 was the national day for the Italians when 78 years ago, they chose the Republic over monarchy and elected a Constitutional Assembly that was to write the country’s constitutional charter. On this historic day, women were also granted the right to vote, she added.
It was one of the first democratic constitutions written after the tragedy of WWII widely seen as a model for many of the countries going through a similar democratization process, she said.
Italy, she said, was an inclusive society and her nation was proud of it. Italy, she said, was one of the first European countries that established diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the new state was born on August 14, 1947. On a lighter note she remarked Aug 14 is also very important in her life as it is the date of her birth!
Ambassador Marilina arrived in Pakistan just four months ago. She said it was an honour for her and a joy too, to be the first woman to represent Italy in a country “so strategic for the world’s political, economic and demographic prospects.”
