Italian Navy Carrier Strike Group, consisting of the aircraft carrier Cavour and the frigate Alpino, arrived in Karachi on Monday for a three-day visit aimed at enhancing regional maritime security and fostering defence cooperation between Italy and Pakistan.
This visit marks the first time an Italian aircraft carrier has docked in Pakistan. Senior officials from the Pakistan Navy, along with Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin, warmly welcomed the fleet upon its arrival.
The Pakistan Navy highlighted the significance of this visit, noting the fleet’s arrival will be followed by a joint bilateral naval exercise.
Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri, along with Ambassador Armellin, met with Pakistan Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Abdul Munib to discuss potential avenues for future collaboration and improving operational interoperability between the two nations.
Karachi Commander Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi also boarded Cavour, receiving a briefing on the vessel’s capabilities from Italian Commanding Officer Captain Francesco Fagnani.
Ambassador Armellin emphasized the deepening of ties between Italy and Pakistan, noting that while Italian frigates had previously visited Karachi, this was the first appearance of an aircraft carrier. She remarked that this reflects the strengthening bond between Rome and Islamabad.
The Italian Carrier Strike Group’s presence in the Indo-Pacific region underscores Italy’s dedication to promoting international maritime security and building stronger ties with key partners like Pakistan.
Additionally, Italy has been an active participant in Pakistan’s Aman naval exercises and is a regular participant in defence exhibitions like IDEAS, with plans to attend the upcoming edition in November.