(by correspondent Domenico
Palesse)
Over two thousand miles, crossing the Southern seas, like in a
novel by Salgari. From Australia to Singapore with the sea so
calm that it merged with the sky. After over two weeks of
sailing from Darwin, in the far north of Australia, the Amerigo
Vespucci has returned to Asia and docked in Singapore, the 25th
stop of its world tour that began in July 2023 in Genoa.
The fanfare of the Naval Academy of Livorno welcomed the
training ship of the Navy, symbol of
Italy in the world, which in the coming days will host tens of
thousands of visitors on board.
For the first time in its 93-year history, the sailing ship that
is a symbol of Italy in the world is visiting Singapore, where
it will remain until next Monday before setting sail again in
the direction of
Belawan, Indonesia.
Also welcoming the elderly lady of the seas was the Italian
ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi, who did not hide his
emotion as he climbed aboard for a special visit together with
the ship's captain, Giuseppe Lai.
"It is a beautiful ship, a true standard-bearer of Italy, of its
values, of its beauty, of its ability to build and innovate
while maintaining the tradition of Italian culture", Brandi
said.
"The Vespucci ship - echoed Captain Lai - had never been to
Singapore in its history. It is a pleasure for us to be able to
be here. I know that there are great expectations in this port
too, having sold out in terms of ship visitors, and we can't
wait to welcome them on board".
But the visit to Singapore, one of the most important ports in
the world, also aims to further strengthen relations between the
two countries.
"It is a region, Southeast Asia, which is extremely dynamic,
with a growth of 5% per year, and in which Italy is investing
heavily to face the global challenges that await us. Singapore
faces them with great pragmatism, with values ;;and interests
that unite us, but also with the intention
of exploiting technological innovations and seizing the
opportunities offered by the two transitions, digital and
energy", added Brandi.
On Thursday, moreover, the Villaggio Italia will officially
open, the traveling expo that accompanies the Vespucci's world
tour with conferences, exhibitions, screenings and forums
dedicated to Made in Italy and the promotion of the country
abroad.
On Friday afternoon, in the Italian morning, an ANSA forum will
also be held with the participation, among others, of Deputy
Business and Made in Italy Minister Valentino Valentini and the
CEO of the agency, Stefano De Alessandri.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
