Ambassador Luigi Ferrari and Mrs. Sabrina Ferrari hosted a reception in Ashgabat on 3 June 2024 to mark the Republic Day of Italy.
In the well-attended reception, DPM Batyr Atdaev represented the government of Turkmenistan.
Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day) is the Italian National Day and Republic Day, which is celebrated on 2 June each year, with the main celebration taking place in Rome. The Festa della Repubblica is one of the national symbols of Italy.
The day commemorates the 1946 Italian institutional referendum held by universal suffrage, in which the Italian people were called to the polls to decide on the form of government following the Second World War and the fall of Fascism.
Speech by Ambassador Luigi Ferrari
Dear Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan H.E. Batyr Atdaev, Authorities, distinguished Ambassadors, dear Italian citizens, ladies and gentlemen,
it is with sincere and great pleasure that I welcome you all to Italy’s National Day: the Day of the Republic.
Today we celebrate the 78th anniversary of our Republic. It is now my second National Day in Turkmenistan and it is so special to be here together to gather with friends and colleagues. Let me say it feels as emotional as for my first celebration we had last year.
On the 2nd of June 1946 the Italian people decided to define their future by building a Nation that aspires to the values of Western civilization, deeply rooted in democracy, civil rights and freedoms. It is one of the crucial moments in the history of Italy. Since then, Italy has shown resilience to face challenges, coming out even stronger.
Today, Italy as a founder member of the European Union and NATO, a member of the G7, we are an important global player in promoting democratic foundations, social and economic well-being and equal opportunities for all. Italy’s strategic priorities evolve around universal target areas: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peacebuilding and Partnerships. To tackle the global challenges Italy in 2024 will spend around 6,3 bln. Euro in direct development assistance. All these values inspire our Presidency of G7.
We believe in freedom and democracy. That’s why Italy takes a firm stance in supporting Ukraine in its aspirations for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Our bilateral relations with Turkmenistan rely solidly on 32 years of close diplomatic relations. Throughout these years, both our Countries have exchanged visits on highest levels. In November 2019 President Sergio Mattarella has welcomed Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in Rome. It was an excellent meeting that further strengthened the bilateral ties between Italy and Turkmenistan. On 20 March this year, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani hosted Turkmen Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Affairs Minister Rashid Meredov for bilateral talks. In that occasion H.E. Rashid Meredov had other high-level meetings, resulting in signing of 4 documents enhancing diplomatic ties, maritime connectivity and cultural relations.
Italy pays a close attention to the partnership with the Central Asia region. At this level, Italy promotes the cooperation platform in the format “Central Asian Countries + 1”. Just a few days ago, on 29 May the Italian Foreign Ministry hosted in Rome the delegations of the Central Asian counties at the level of Foreign Ministers for the 3rd Conference to discuss a wide range of regional aspects such as water, energy, health, connectivity and education. A high-level Turkmen delegation headed by H.E Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov attended the Conference.
On the 6th of March 2024 Italy and Turkmenistan became even closer to each other with the opening of the first passenger flights between Milan and Ashgabat. The direct air connection contributes greatly in increasing interactions between our people in many respects, including culture, tourism and business.
In year 2024 Turkmenistan celebrates the 300th Anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy. I express my sincere congratulations at this regard. The cultural authorities of our two Countries are now working closely to bring also the Turkmen cultural heritage to the very heart of Italy, the city of Rome, where in 2025 the ancient artefacts from Margiana and Nisa Partica will be exhibited to the Italian and international public at the Musei Capitolini of Roma, the grand museum of the history of the Ancient World. Some of those artefacts have been unearthed by the Italian archaeological teams, the Italian archaeologists of the Universities of Bologna and Turin, which have been working with their Turkmen colleagues for over than 30 years.
This year we also celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Italian Embassy in Ashgabat, which we are going to commemorate with an Italian concert.
Let me note the fruitful collaboration between Italy and Turkmenistan in the educational field, Italy has seconded two Italian professors to the Magtymguly State University and International University for Humanities and Development to assist local Italian language professors in teaching process, improving curriculum, and providing the didactic support. At present, a number of Italian Universities are negotiating agreements which will further strengthen the partnership and the outreach of the Italian language in Turkmenistan.
Italy’s business relations are advanced by the Italian Agency for Foreign Trade (ICE), organizing visits of Italian business delegations to Ashgabat in order to foster commercial relations with the Turkmen companies in the textile machinery, agricultural and food processing and packaging sectors.
The Italian oil company Eni is one of the leading oil companies working in the oil sector of Turkmenistan for more than 16 years. Eni has considerably invested into the Turkmen oil production, counting on local human resources: over 95 percent of Eni employees – composed of around 900 persons – are national staff.
I would like to conclude by conveying my best wishes for prosperity, peace and well-being to the friendly Turkmen nation, let the Italian-Turkmen relations be further strengthened through cooperation and growing interactions!
Thank all for your attention.
Here are some pictures from the event:
