(ANSA) - DOHA, DEC 17 - Villaggio Italia, the travelling expo of Italian excellence that accompanies the Amerigo Vespucci on its world tour, has official opened with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
    Its pavilions will remain open until December 22, giving visitors the opportunity to take part in the numerous free events, talks and concerts that will enrich the programme of the 30th stage of the ship's world tour.
    "If I had to define Italy with a word, I'd say Italy is the Amerigo Vespucci," said Defence Undersecretary Matteo Perego di Cremnago in his speech at the inauguration.
    "The Vespucci is a message of peace for a better future in which peoples are side by side, working together to welcome".
    Italy's Ambassador to Qatar Paolo Toschi said that: "the Vespucci is the most powerful image of Italy" Difesa Servizi CEO Luca Andreoli added that: "this is not just our Villaggio Italia, it's your Villaggio Italia, a place of encounter, of dialogue between peoples and cultures".
    Along the dock of the Old Doha Port at the feet of the "world's most beautiful tall ship" there will be five days of meetings, gastronomic events, film screenings and concerts.
    An area will be devoted to talks, conferences and gastronomical and artistic masterclasses. (ANSA).