Italian Navy Carrier Strike Group arrives in Karachi

KARACHI: Italian Navy’s Carrier Strike Group comprising an aircraft carrier and a frigate arrived in Karachi for a three-day visit to enhance regional maritime security and defense cooperation between the two countries.

The visiting Italian fleet comprises aircraft carrier Cavour and the Alpino frigate, which arrived in Karachi.

Upon arrival in Karachi, the Italian Navy ships were warmly welcomed by senior officials of Pakistan Navy and the Ambassador of Italy.

Following the arrival, an Italian delegation led by the Ambassador of Italy, Marilina Armellin , along with Rear Admiral Stefano Bariberi , Capability Director of the Italian Defence General Staff, called on Commander Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest including interoperability, avenues for future collaboration to enhance regional maritime security and defense cooperation were discussed.

Commander Karachi, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi also visited Cavour and was briefed about the Aircraft Carrier’s capabilities by Commanding Officer Captain Francesco Fagnani.

The capabilities of Italian defence industries were also showcased in a Defence Industries Exhibition held onboard Alpino.

During the media brief, Ambassador of Italy, Capability Director of Italian Defence General Staff, and Commander of the Carrier Strike Group endorsed the role of Pakistan Navy in regional maritime security and highlighted the importance of interoperability between the two navies.