La Festa della Repubblica, the Italian National Day, was celebrated today in Canberra with a reception hosted by the Italian Ambassador, Paolo Crudele, at the prestigious Official Residence. The event was attended by prominent figures from the local government, the diplomatic community, as well as representatives from major Italian companies and the Italian-Australian community. In particular, the Chief of the Australian Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, and two representatives from the parliamentary friendship group, Australian Senator Raff Ciccone and the Honorable Nicola Care’, were present.
During his speech, the Ambassador, in the presence of CGIE delegate for Australia Franco Papandrea and members of the Canberra Comites, highlighted the importance of the Italian community in Australia, “which has made a significant contribution to the development of the country and continues to positively influence its culture and lifestyle. This is a community of one million and two hundred thousand people with Italian roots, that plays a central role in fostering friendship, trade exchanges, and collaborations between the two countries.”
To confirm the strength of the relationship between Italy and Australia, on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Ambassador also emphasized the commitment that unites the two countries in preserving peace, stability, freedom, and democracy and in tackling together global challenges such as climate change, energy transition, gender inequality, and poverty. These are central issues in this year’s G7 agenda under Italian leadership.
The event was also an opportunity to highlight Italy’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific and the growing Italian commitment towards the stability of this part of the world. As the Ambassador pointed out, in international forums, Italy and Australia’s positions on long-term goals converge. “The significant Italian participation in the Pitch Black exercise scheduled between July and August in Northern Australia and the anticipated visit of the Amerigo Vespucci to Darwin from October 4-7 are further concrete demonstrations of our strategic interest in this region, where we intend to work in close coordination with our Australian friends.”
