The Italian Navy contingent arrived in Karachi this week for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening regional maritime security and defense cooperation between Italy and Pakistan, the navy confirmed.
This marks the first-ever visit by an Italian aircraft carrier to Pakistan.
According to details, senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, Marilina Armellin, welcomed the visiting Italian fleet, which includes the aircraft carrier Cavour and the frigate Alpino.
“The Italian Navy Carrier Strike Group, comprising Aircraft Carrier Cavour and frigate Alpino, has arrived in Karachi for a three-day visit, followed by a bilateral exercise,” the Pakistan Navy said in a statement on Monday.
Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet, held discussions with a delegation led by Ambassador Armellin and Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri, focusing on “mutual interests including interoperability and potential areas of future collaboration,” according to the Pakistan Navy.
A Defense Industries Exhibition showcasing the capabilities of the Italian defense industry was also held aboard the destroyer Alpino.
In September, the Italian Navy ship Morosini visited Karachi for a bilateral exercise aimed at enhancing mutual interoperability between the two forces.
