Italy’s iconic training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, arrived at Doha Port on December 16, marking a special week of celebration in honour of Qatar’s National Day. The ship will remain in Doha until December 22, offering the public an exclusive chance to explore the vessel, and Villaggio Italia, a unique international exhibition showcasing Italy’s scientific, industrial, and architectural achievements.

The Amerigo Vespucci, often hailed as “the most beautiful ship in the world,” is a living testament to Italy’s naval excellence. For over 90 years, the ship has served as a training vessel for Italy’s sailors and a symbol of the country’s maritime heritage. Visitors can explore the ship’s rich history, including its role in naval training and its importance to Italy’s military and cultural identity.

The exhibition allows visitors to experience the richness of Italian culture through interactive displays and showcases the country’s leadership in various fields – from design and innovation to cuisine and technology.

During a reception held to welcome the ship, Italy’s Ambassador to Qatar HE Paolo Toschi highlighted the shared values of Italy and Qatar, especially in environmental sustainability, education, peace, and inclusion.

The envoy thanked Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and expressed gratitude to Sheikha Hanouf Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Director of the International Organizations Department, for her support in organising the event.

Present on the occasion were Under Secretary of the Italian Ministry of Defence Matteo Perego di Cremnago; Commander of the Qatari Amiri Naval Forces HE Staff Maj. Gen. (Navy) Abdullah Hassan Al Sulaiti; Chairman of DIMDEX Staff Brig. Gen. (Sea) Abdulbaqi Al Ansari; Director General of Katara Cultural Village Foundation HE Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti; Luca Andreoli, CEO of Difesa Servizi Ltd.; ambassadors, dignitaries, defence attaches of various countries, and members of the media.

Defence Services Delegate Administrator Dr. Luca Andreoli praised the growing partnership between Qatar and Italy and noted the success of Villaggio Italia, which has drawn over 300,000 visitors globally.

He thanked the Embassy of Italy in Qatar, Qatar Tourism, and Katara Cultural Village for their support in building the Villaggio Italia as one of the most beautiful displays, emphasizing the exhibition’s success in Doha, with the village positioned next to the Naval Ship Amerigo Vespucci.

Captain Giuseppe Lai, Commanding Officer of the Amerigo Vespucci, expressed his gratitude to the embassy and the organising team for their dedication. He highlighted the ship’s role in environmental awareness and its partnership with the Catamaran Stella project, which enables people with disabilities to experience life at sea, emphasizing the values of inclusion and accessibility shared by both Italy and Qatar.

The Amerigo Vespucci World Tour, which started in Los Angeles, has since travelled to cities such as Buenos Aires, Tokyo, Singapore, Darwin, Bombay, Karachi ports, and now in Doha, and will conclude its almost 22 months-long tour in February 2025, Capt Giuseppe Lai told www. .asiantelegraphqatar.com, “The tour, showcas.coming Italian heritage, is a symbol of the enduring friendship between Italy and Qatar and a celebration of innovation, inclusion, and cultural exchange,” he said.

The Vespucci and Villaggio Italia are open to the public free of charge, with pre-registration available online. This event is also a platform for showcasing Italy’s technological expertise, particularly in defence and security.

Leonardo, a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security, sponsors the Vespucci World Tour and Villaggio Italia. Leonardo’s cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, automation, and data management play a crucial role in modernizing global defence systems, including in Qatar