ISLAMABAD: Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Marilina Armellin has called on the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema on Monday.
She was accompanied by Francesco Zatta, the Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Augusto Palmieri, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Italy. Senior officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs also attended the meeting.
The meeting commenced with Minister Cheema warmly welcoming Ambassador Armellin, acknowledging and applauding the longstanding bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Italy.
This collaboration dates back to the signing of a Joint Declaration on July 14, 2005, aimed at expanding economic and commercial cooperation between the two nations.
Minister Cheema highlighted the shared values and perspectives between Pakistan and Italy on various global issues, emphasizing the significance of Italy’s economic assistance to Pakistan.
In response, Ambassador Marilina Armellin reiterated Italy’s commitment to aiding Pakistan in mutually agreed-upon priority sectors, including poverty reduction, rural development, technical and vocational training, cultural heritage, and agriculture.
She also updated the Minister on the progress of ongoing development initiatives funded by the Government of Italy, including the special assistance package provided in response to the devastating 2022 floods.
Ambassador Armellin assured continued support from the Government of Italy for Pakistan’s economic development endeavors. Minister Cheema affirmed Pakistan’s dedication to closely collaborating with the Government of Italy.
He assured Ambassador Armellin of Pakistan’s commitment to effectively implementing and reviewing ongoing projects, while also strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
