Ambassador Armellin meets the Prime Minister of Punjab

(ANSA) - ROMA, 02 NOV - The Ambassador of Italy to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Marilina Armellin, is currently visiting Punjab, the largest and most populous federated province of Pakistan, with its 125 million inhabitants, a population more than double that of Italy.
    Ambassador Armellin, accompanied by Italy's honorary consul in Lahore, Fahad Iqbal, was received today by Punjab's prime minister, Maryam Nawaz. The occasion,' reads a note from the embassy, 'allowed them to illustrate the numerous Italian projects in Punjab, such as those underway in the olive-growing sector in collaboration with the Ciheam agronomic research centre in Bari, and in formulation in the dairy sector, in collaboration with the FAO, for the transfer of technologies and the improvement of production chains. From these projects, the two parties expect positive spin-offs in terms of employment of the weaker segments of the population and the quality of their diet. Italy is also active in Punjab in the education sector, with a project recently entrusted to Iscos, which aims at the socio-economic inclusion of marginalised communities and the creation of a school environment favourable to inter-religious dialogue.
    During the meeting, the two sides also recalled how Italy is home to the largest Pakistani community in the European Union, which now numbers 300,000 residents, most of whom come from the Punjab. Ambassador Armellin - concludes the note - finally took the opportunity to invite Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz to the event celebrating Italian cuisine in the world, scheduled to take place in Lahore on 15 November.