Italy National Day celebrated

Ambassador Marilina Armellin underscores deep-rooted friendship between Italy, Pakistan

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Marilina Armellin, Monday underscored the deep-rooted friendship between Italy and Pakistan and reaffirmed Italy’s unwavering commitment to global peace and multilateral cooperation during a heartfelt address at a ceremony marking Italy’s Republic Day.

Welcoming distinguished guests to the celebration, Ambassador Armellin said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of you on this festive occasion for our Republic. Your presence represents the most manifest testimony of the sound ties of friendship that unite Italy and Pakistan.”

Reflecting on the historical significance of June 2 — the day Italy became a Republic in 1946 — Ambassador Armellin described it as a defining moment in the country’s journey towards democracy, peace, and constitutional values following the tragic experiences of World War II. She highlighted that Italy’s foundational charter firmly rejects war as a means of resolving conflict, a principle that continues to guide the nation’s foreign policy and internal resilience.

“In a world growing increasingly unstable, we feel a renewed urgency to actively engage for peace, democracy, development, and civil progress,” she stated. “These values can no longer be taken for granted.”

Ambassador Armellin acknowledged the growing complexity of international relations and expressed concern over the proliferation of global conflict. “We must admit that we are bequeathing a more conflictual world to our children than the one our parents entrusted to us,” she remarked. “Italy, as a founding member of the European Union and an active participant in multilateral institutions like the UN and G7, will continue to advocate for peace, dialogue, and the protection of fundamental human rights.”

Highlighting Italy’s growing diplomatic and humanitarian role, she shared several key initiatives hosted in Rome this year, including: The Food for Gaza initiative, launched by Italy in collaboration with the WFP, FAO, and ICRC; A round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States; The upcoming 2025 Conference on Water, Sanitation, Environment, and Public Health; The Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, scheduled for July.

“These milestones reaffirm Italy’s commitment to fostering peace and shared prosperity in a fractured world,” she said.

Turning to bilateral relations, the Ambassador celebrated the 70 years of joint archaeological cooperation between Italy and Pakistan, calling it a symbol of unity through culture. She paid tribute to Professor Giuseppe Tucci, whose pioneering work unearthed the Gandhara heritage, and praised the continued efforts of Italian archaeologists like Professor Olivieri in Swat and Banbhore.

“Seventy years and not a wrinkle,” she quipped, lauding the longevity of this cultural partnership. Guests were also invited to view a special exhibition curated for the occasion.

Ambassador Armellin also acknowledged Italy’s proud tradition of scientific exploration in Pakistan, noting the century-old legacy that began with Prince Luigi Amedeo and was crowned by the historic ascent of K2 by Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni in 1954 — a milestone of national pride.

The evening also spotlighted Italy’s contribution to sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment in Pakistan through the OliveCulture project, financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Through this initiative, 26 women- and youth-led olive business groups have been established across Pakistan, promoting entrepreneurship, especially among rural women.

“To honor their work, each guest tonight will receive a moisturizing cream made from olive oil and perfumed with the sour orange — two iconic scents of Italy,” she added warmly.

In closing, Ambassador Armellin urged all in attendance to look to the future with hope and shared purpose: “Let us celebrate June 2nd not just as a commemoration of the past, but as a commitment to building a more peaceful, prosperous world together.”