Jeddah, January 28, 2025 – The historic Italian sailing vessel Amerigo Vespucci docked in Jeddah on Monday, marking a momentous occasion for Saudi Arabia’s cultural and tourism landscape. The event was attended by Assistant Minister of Defense Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, who represented Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, alongside Italy’s Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanche. The docking of the Amerigo Vespucci in Jeddah symbolizes the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Italy, serving as a prominent example of the two nations’ growing cooperation in various fields, including culture, defense, and tourism.
During the ceremony, Assistant Minister Al-Otaibi emphasized the importance of such occasions in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s status as a global hub for cultural exchange and tourism cooperation. He highlighted the significant relationship between Saudi Arabia and Italy, which extends across several developmental sectors, including technology transfer and localization projects, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Al-Otaibi noted that the visit of the Amerigo Vespucci further reflects the Kingdom's efforts to showcase its rich cultural heritage while fostering international partnerships.
The Italian delegation, led by Minister Crosetto, expressed their pride in the Amerigo Vespucci's presence in Jeddah, underscoring its status as a historic maritime symbol that reflects Italy's rich naval heritage and long-standing tradition of excellence in maritime exploration. Crosetto emphasized that the visit serves not only as a gesture of goodwill but also as a platform for cultural exchange between Italy and Saudi Arabia, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration.
Captain Giuseppe Lai, the commander of the Amerigo Vespucci, provided guests with a detailed overview of the ship’s maritime legacy. He shared insights into its extensive sailing history, which spans over 93 years, making the vessel one of the most revered symbols of Italy’s naval prowess. Captain Lai emphasized the significance of the event in drawing attention to Jeddah as one of the region’s most vibrant and dynamic tourist destinations, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic location.
Following the formal ceremony, Assistant Minister Al-Otaibi and Minister Crosetto embarked on a tour of the Amerigo Vespucci, exploring the vessel’s unique features and learning more about its storied history. The ship’s visit to Jeddah has sparked great interest from both locals and international visitors, further enhancing the city’s growing reputation as a leading global destination for cultural and maritime tourism.
On the sidelines of the event, Al-Otaibi and Crosetto engaged in discussions on deepening bilateral cooperation in military and defense industries, exploring opportunities for joint ventures and knowledge exchange in defense technologies. The two officials addressed a range of issues of mutual interest, including potential collaborations in defense training, security, and infrastructure development.
The event was also attended by several Saudi officials, including Jeddah Mayor Saleh Al-Turki and Ministry of Defense Undersecretary for Strategic Affairs Major General Salman Al-Harbi. Their presence at the ceremony underscores the importance of strengthening Saudi Arabia’s ties with Italy and continuing to build on the robust relationship between the two nations, which continues to evolve across multiple sectors.
The docking of the Amerigo Vespucci in Jeddah not only highlights the enduring friendship between Saudi Arabia and Italy but also serves as a reminder of the growing cultural, economic, and diplomatic exchange between the two countries. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its Vision 2030 agenda, events like these play a pivotal role in promoting the Kingdom as a key player on the global stage for both cultural diplomacy and international partnerships.
