(by correspondent Domenico
Palesse)
The Amerigo Vespucci greets the New Year from the port of Abu
Dhabi, where Villaggio Italia closed today, the traveling expo
on Italian excellence that accompanies the sailing ship on its
world tour, now in its 31st stage.
The training ship of the Italian Navy, illuminated with the
Italian flag, was the backdrop to the closing ceremony on the
quayside of Zayed Port in the Emirati capital, in the presence
of military and civilian institutions.
"With the Villaggio Italia we have told the story of Italian
genius," said Undersecretary of Defense, Isabella Rauti.
"The Amerigo Vespucci has conveyed the fundamental values ;;of
our nation, of the tricolor and of Italianness.
"This is an honor to Italy, to Defense, to the Navy thanks to
all those who have made this enormous project possible".
A few hours before the celebrations for New Year's Eve, Abu
Dhabi wanted to pay its respects to the "most beautiful ship in
the world" which will remain moored in port until January 4,
before setting sail again towards Jeddah, the 32nd stop on the
world tour and the third in the Middle East.
"The Vespucci is an extraordinary achievement," reiterated the
commander in chief of the naval team, Admiral Aurelio De
Carolis.
"Today we have experienced unique and extraordinary emotions.
"The Abu Dhabi stop has further strengthened relations with the
United Arab Emirates, as demonstrated by the institutional
meetings held by Minister Crosetto on board".
Hope, friendship and sharing were the elements highlighted by
the Italian Ambassador to the Emirates, Lorenzo Fanara, during
his speech at the closing ceremony.
"The Vespucci brought a light of hope after a year of suffering,
brutality and devastation," he said
"We would like this hope to spread to the rest of the world for
a 2025 better than the year just lived".
The 31st stage of the Amerigo Vespucci's round-the-world voyage,
which began on 1 July 2023 from Genoa, is now coming to an end.
The commander has ordered the last flag-lowering of 2024, while
the Villaggio Italia prepares for a completely new New Year's
Eve at the foot of the timeless sailing ship.
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