Italy will provide employment opportunities to 10,500 Pakistanis over the next three years under a labour mobility agreement, while also expanding educational cooperation through thousands of scholarships for Pakistani students, Italy's ambassador to Pakistan said on Tuesday.
Speaking at an event marking Italy Day in Islamabad, Marilina Armellin said Italy remained committed to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan in areas including labour mobility, education and diplomacy.
The ambassador announced that 10,500 Pakistanis would be able to access employment opportunities in Italy under a labour mobility framework over the coming three years.
She also said that 3,200 scholarships had been awarded to Pakistani students for the 2025-26 academic year, enabling them to pursue higher education at Italian universities.
Addressing regional issues, Armellin said Italy strongly supported Pakistan's efforts to promote dialogue and mediation amid tensions involving the United States and Iran.
"Italy fully supports Pakistan's mediation role," she said, describing Pakistan as a country known for friendship, generosity and mutual respect.
The remarks came during a dinner hosted by the Italian Embassy to celebrate the 80th Italy Day, attended by diplomats, government officials and members of civil society. The ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Italy.
Armellin said steps were also being taken to improve consular access and diplomatic services for Pakistani citizens. She noted that Italy hosts the largest Pakistani community within the European Union and said strengthening bilateral ties had remained a key priority during her tenure.
Speaking as chief guest, Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan and Italy shared common objectives and values, adding that the two countries had completed 78 years of diplomatic relations.
He expressed hope that recent Pakistan-European strategic engagements would encourage more Italian companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, reflecting the growing diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between Islamabad and Rome.
Reporter: Anwer Abbas