KARACHI: The Italian Navy Carrier Strike Group, composed of the aircraft carrier Cavour and the frigate Alpino, arrived in Karachi on Monday and will be anchored there until Wednesday.

The third ship of the Italian Navy to bear the name of the Italian statesman Camillo Benso di Cavour, the aircraft carrier Cavour is a 27,800-tonne COGAG ship measuring 244 metres in length with a 40-metre beam.

Meanwhile, ITS Alpino is a 6,700-ton frigate with an overall length of 144 metres and a 19.7-metre beam. Cavour has an interesting history, including deployments in the Persian Gulf and circumnavigating the African continent.

In 2021, the ship integrated with the UK Carrier Strike Group. The Carrier Strike Group has been deployed in the Indo-Pacific region since June 1, 2024.

During a press conference aboard ITS Cavour on Monday, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Marilina Armellin said, “This is the fourth visit by any Italian ship to the port of Karachi, as three frigates have visited here previously. However, this is the first time our aircraft carrier has come to Pakistan. The bond of friendship between Rome and Islamabad is growing ever stronger.”

She added that both countries have agreed to broaden and diversify their bilateral and multilateral relationships.

Envoy highlights strong bond of friendship between Rome and Islamabad

“The presence of the Italian Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region testifies to Italy’s commitment to deepening cooperation with valued partner countries such as Pakistan, ensuring the security of international maritime routes.”

“Italy considers Pakistan a strategic partner for the security of the region. Defence plays a key role in our bilateral relations. Our country has been a loyal participant in the Aman Exercises, and our defence industries have always been present at the IDEAS fairs.”

“This year, I will join them, along with a delegation from our Ministry of Defence, for the next edition of IDEAS coming up in November,” she said.

“And it doesn’t end there. In December, our iconic sailing ship, the Amerigo Vespucci, will also dock here in Karachi,” she added.

“We have a large Pakistani community in Italy. Trade between our two countries currently amounts to two billion dollars, but there is potential for improvement. Data shows it could even increase to five billion dollars,” she said.

Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri of the Italian Navy spoke on the occasion, stating that the first operational campaign of the Italian Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region is a strategic initiative of Italian Defence to promote defence capabilities in the area.

“The dynamics of defence in the Indo-Pacific region can affect free trade of goods and services, as well as overall trade relations with the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

“The deployment of the Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region allows Italian Defence to strengthen and consolidate strategic protection with viable capabilities well beyond the usual area of operations. Controlling the sea and keeping maritime lines and communication open is crucial,” he stressed.

The Commanding Officer of the Carrier Strike Group, Rear Admiral Giancarlo Ciappina, said he was glad to be working with Italy’s allies. “Our presence here sends a strong message of cohesion with our allies and like-minded partners,” he said.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024