Italy has reserved a special quota for 10,500 Pakistani workers over the next three years and issued more than 3,200 student visas for the 2025–26 academic year, underscoring growing cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at Italian National Day celebrations in Islamabad, Ambassador Marilina Armellin highlighted progress in migration, education, trade, climate action and cultural ties. She said migration remained a key area of cooperation, noting that Italy hosts the largest Pakistani community in the European Union.
Under a bilateral migration memorandum signed last year, Italy introduced training programmes to prepare prospective migrants before departure, ensuring legal pathways and skill development.
Education has also expanded, with thousands of Pakistani students enrolling in Italian universities. The ambassador said this reflects deepening academic ties and mutual interest in knowledge exchange.
Economic relations are strengthening, with Italian businesses showing renewed interest in Pakistan’s market. Recent agreements in technology and defence sectors highlight growing commercial engagement. Cooperation in agriculture and climate resilience projects in Sindh further demonstrate shared priorities.
Cultural and scientific collaboration remains a pillar of the relationship. Armellin visited all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan and pledged continued Italian support for promoting Pakistan’s heritage internationally.
She praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, noting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s public support. Italian media even described Islamabad’s role under the Latin headline “Islamabada Caput Mundi” — “Islamabad, Capital of the World.”
Marking the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic, the celebrations also showcased women who shaped modern Italy and artwork by Italian artist Federica Fontana.
Concluding her tenure, Ambassador Armellin said she was leaving with confidence that the friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Italy would continue to grow.
