Islamabad: Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Italy, focusing on trade, investment, agriculture, labor mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. This call was made during a meeting with Italian Ambassador Ugo Ciarlatani at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to Press Information Department, Mr. Gilani emphasized the importance of the longstanding and friendly relations between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and expanding cooperation across various sectors. He expressed confidence that Ambassador Ciarlatani would play a key role in further strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure. Mr. Gilani also anticipated the upcoming visit of Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to Pakistan, which he believes will provide opportunities to advance cooperation.

Mr. Gilani highlighted the potential for expanding trade and investment, welcoming the presence of Italian companies in Pakistan and encouraging further investment in mutually beneficial areas. He also congratulated Ambassador Ciarlatani on the completion of Italy’s new diplomatic mission in Islamabad.

Acknowledging Italy’s contributions in technical and vocational fields, Mr. Gilani mentioned the Pakistan-Italy Textile Centre in Faisalabad and the Footwear Centre in Lahore, alongside cooperation in scientific and environmental fields. He praised the educational opportunities available to Pakistani students in Italy and emphasized the significance of the Pakistan-Italy MoU on workforce, labor migration, and mobility, which facilitates safe and legal migration. He noted Italy’s plan to recruit 10,500 skilled workers from Pakistan over the next three years.

Mr. Gilani expressed gratitude for Italy’s support for Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-26 term, looking forward to continued coordination with Italy at the United Nations and other international platforms.

Ambassador Ciarlatani, recently assuming his role in Islamabad, expressed his intention to enhance bilateral relations and increase Italian investment in Pakistan. He commended Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional security and peace and highlighted the contributions of approximately 300,000 people of Pakistani origin living in Italy in strengthening the ties between the two countries.