ROME: Pakistan and Italy have signed an agreement exempting holders of diplomatic passports from visa requirements, a move aimed at facilitating official travel and further strengthening bilateral relations.
The agreement was signed in Rome by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, and Italy’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Riccardo Guariglia.
Ahead of the signing ceremony, both sides reviewed their longstanding bilateral relationship and discussed cooperation in various fields, including engagement at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the European Union.
Officials described the agreement as a reflection of the mutual trust and friendship between the two countries and an important addition to the existing framework of bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan and Italy maintain extensive ties in trade, culture, science and technology, education, labour mobility, and defence cooperation. A number of agreements and memorandums of understanding are already in place, while collaboration between universities and think tanks continues under existing arrangements.
In the area of labour mobility, Pakistan’s embassy in Rome has highlighted employment opportunities for Pakistani workers, including a reported quota of 10,500 jobs in Italy.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari extended greetings to Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the people of Italy on the occasion of Republic Day, observed annually on June 2.
In his message, President Zardari said Pakistan highly values its longstanding friendship with Italy, which is based on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.
He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to deepen in the years ahead and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Italy and the European Union.
The president also appreciated Italy’s constructive role within the European Union in promoting dialogue, cooperation, peace, and international stability.
