Tunis:On board the Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian Navy's renowned three-masted ship, a convergence of maritime history and international cooperation is taking place. The vessel, which has been docked at La Goulette port since October 31, is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year and stands as a testament to the collaboration between Tunisia and Italy in maritime training, naval diplomacy, and marine environmental protection, as expressed by Italian Ambassador to Tunisia Alessandro Prunas.

According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse – English, during a visit organized for Tunisian journalists, Ambassador Prunas noted the participation of 15 cadet officers from the Tunisian Navy in the ship's latest sailing campaign. This opportunity allowed them to train alongside their Italian peers and gain insight into the unique aspects of sailing on a historic training vessel.

The presence of the Tunisian officers underscores the depth of cooperation between the two nations in the maritime sector, providing young officers with valuable international training experience. The Amerigo Vespucci, the oldest ship still in service with the Italian Navy, was launched on February 22, 1931, and has served as a training ship since June of that year, alongside its sister ship Cristoforo Colombo.

Commander Nicasio Falica explained that the vessel has been instrumental in providing generations of Italian officers with their initial seafaring experiences, focusing not only on navigation but also on discipline, teamwork, and maritime condition management. The ship recently embarked on a journey to the United States to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, visiting several ports before returning to Europe and making its stop in Tunisia.

The Amerigo Vespucci also plays a role in raising awareness about ocean conservation and marine ecosystem preservation. The Italian Ambassador highlighted the ship's involvement in international marine environmental initiatives and its collaboration with environmental organizations, emphasizing the importance of instilling a culture of respect for the sea and its resources in future generations.