On the occasion of the visit to Dublin by the Etna—which is taking part in the training cruise for second-year cadets of the Naval Academy of Livorno—Italy’s Ambassador to Ireland, Nicola Faganello, paid a visit on board the Italian Navy vessel on Monday, 17 August. He was accompanied by the Embassy’s Deputy Defence Attaché, Captain Alessandro Morosini, and was welcomed by the Commander of the Etna, Captain Alessandro De Lucia, Captain Valeria Maurizi, the officers, crew and cadets of the Naval Academy.
The Ambassador’s visit was followed by a reception on the flight deck, attended by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, representatives of the Irish authorities and the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs, members of the Oireachtas (the Irish Parliament), members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the local academic community, and members of the Italian community.
In his address, Ambassador Faganello highlighted the role of naval diplomacy in promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation, stressing that the protection of critical maritime infrastructure and freedom of navigation are essential to Europe’s security, stability and prosperity. In this context, he emphasised the particular significance of the Etna’s presence in Dublin during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU, whose priorities include maritime security, resilience and strengthening European cooperation.
During his remarks, the Ambassador also recalled the historic and close ties between Ireland and Italy, as well as the friendship and cooperation pact between Dublin and Pompeii, signed last February at the Mansion House, and the “pairing” initiative between Italy and County Meath as part of the Irish EU Presidency.
Dublin is the fourth port of call of the training cruise, which began in Livorno and continued to Tangier, La Coruña and Brest. After Dublin, the Etna will call at Portsmouth, La Pallice, Lisbon and Cagliari before returning to Livorno.
The Etna’s visit also provided an opportunity to engage with the local community: the vessel was open to the public from 15 to 17 August, while on Sunday, 16 August, it hosted the celebration of Holy Mass on board.
