Visit of Italian Vessel Marks a Celebratory Moment in Bilateral Relations: Sarbananda Sonowal
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Mumbai, Nov 30 (NationPress) The docking of the 93-year-old Italian sailing vessel Amerigo Vespucci is a significant milestone in enhancing the partnership between India and Italy, remarked Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The Minister greeted the historic vessel's inaugural arrival at the Mumbai Port Authority’s India Dock and also announced the initiative to build the largest museum dedicated to maritime heritage at Lothal.
“Lothal's dockyard, which is over 5,000 years old, holds great strategic significance, prompting the establishment of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NHMC) there. I extend an invitation to renowned Italian museums to participate in this project,” Sonowal stated during the celebration of the vessel's historic docking.
During the welcome event for the Italian training ship (ITS) Amerigo Vespucci, the Union Minister also hosted Italian Minister Adolfo Urso and Italian Ambassador to India Antonio Bartoli, emphasizing that this occasion symbolizes the strengthening of bilateral relations.
Sonowal and his Italian counterparts also explored Villagiotalia, a specially created Italian village for this event, and inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Italian products.
The Italian Minister and Ambassador both described the occasion as historic and emotional.
The ship, which has marked a significant point in its journey, docked at Mumbai port as part of its global expedition that commenced in 2023. It is set to visit 36 ports across 32 countries spanning five continents.
With a crew of 250 on board, the ‘most beautiful ship’ in the world, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, departed from La Spezia on July 1, 2023. The docking in Mumbai was its 27th stop on this extensive voyage.
The vessel was accessible to the local public for a day. This marks the third port call in India by an Italian Navy ship in the past 18 months, highlighting the significance Italy places on the Indo-Pacific region.
