The Training Ship Amerigo Vespucci made a historic stop in Alexandria, Egypt, from February 12 to 17, marking its second visit to the city in 93 years. This event underscored the enduring cultural and historical ties between Italy and Egypt while highlighting Italy’s culinary traditions as part of a broader cultural celebration.
During the stopover, the ship’s crew and guests participated in several events dedicated to Italian gastronomy, as well as Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The central focus of these activities was the promotion of Italian cuisine’s candidacy for inclusion as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Promoting Italy’s Culinary Excellence
On February 15, the event “Vespucci Meets Egypt” was held, where Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy, the ICE Agency, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Cairo, championed Italian cuisine as a UNESCO heritage candidate. The event was part of a larger initiative to use the ship’s voyage as a platform to showcase Italy’s history, craftsmanship, and culinary expertise.
As highlighted on the Ministry of Agriculture’s social media, “This journey is not only about navigation, but also an opportunity to share the story of Italy with the world through its knowledge, history, and distinct flavors.”
Minister Lollobrigida Praises Italian Excellence
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, who boarded the Amerigo Vespucci during the visit, expressed his appreciation for the many individuals who contribute to Italy’s global reputation for excellence. He specifically thanked the students and teachers from the Don Bosco Institute in Alexandria, Egypt, for exemplifying how Italian know-how can make a positive impact worldwide.
“The crew of the Amerigo Vespucci is a living testament to what our nation, working together as a team, can represent across the globe: beauty, efficiency, and unmatched quality,” Minister Lollobrigida remarked.
The Amerigo Vespucci‘s stop in Alexandria not only reaffirmed Italy’s cultural ties with Egypt but also highlighted the importance of sharing the country’s values of tradition, craftsmanship, and culinary prowess on the world stage.
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