Diplomatic Desk:
The Italian Embassy in Bangladesh celebrated the 80th founding anniversary of the Italian Republic in a grand ceremony in Dhaka. Government ministers, members of parliament, diplomats, business leaders, civil society representatives, media personnel, military and civilian high-ranking officials and dignitaries from various walks of life participated in the event.
Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir was present as the chief guest at the event. In addition, ambassadors and high commissioners of various countries working in Bangladesh, members of the diplomatic corps, business representatives and members of the Italian and Bangladeshi communities attended the event.
In his welcome speech, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro recalled the historic referendum held on June 2, 1946, through which Italy adopted a democratic state system and established a republic.
The ambassador said, “From the ruins of World War II and the bitter experience of fascism, Italy has emerged as one of the most developed economies in the world. Italy’s experience proves that democratic governance is one of the main foundations of development and progress.”
He praised Bangladesh’s recent development progress and said that Italy is keen to continue its cooperation in the country’s journey of modernization and economic growth. He stressed the need to further expand cooperation in various fields including trade, investment, migration, aviation, defense industry, satellite technology, disaster preparedness, cultural exchange and people-to-people contacts.
The establishment of the ‘Bangladeshi Italy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BICCI)’ was announced at the event to strengthen Bangladesh-Italy trade relations. It was hoped that this organization, formed by Italian and Bangladeshi small and medium entrepreneurs under the auspices of the Italian Embassy, would play a new role in expanding trade and commerce between the two countries.
Ambassador Alessandro thanked Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir for his cooperation and guidance in establishing the newly formed chamber and urged businessmen from both countries to join this platform.
On the occasion of Republic Day, Italy’s renowned a cappella music group ‘Mezzotono’ performed in Dhaka. He also said that a special exhibition of contemporary Bangladeshi art will be held in Vatican City in July, where the works of the country’s leading artists will be displayed.
Highlighting the relationship between the people of Bangladesh and Italy, the Ambassador said that the Bangladeshi community living in Italy is one of the bridges of friendly relations between the two countries. He also mentioned the support of thousands of expatriate Bangladeshis from different cities in Italy on the occasion of the recent victory of the Bangladesh national football team against San Marino.
The Ambassador further said that both Bangladesh and Italy are working for free trade, effective multilateralism and safe, legal and orderly migration. At the same time, he congratulated the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh on his election as the next President of the United Nations General Assembly and reiterated Italy’s support for strengthening cooperation on various global issues.
In the final part of the program, renowned Italian chef Cristiano Varrozzo served traditional Italian cuisine to the guests.
The program highlighted the long-standing friendly relations between Bangladesh and Italy and the growing potential for economic, cultural and diplomatic cooperation.
