Marilina Armellin, an esteemed Italian diplomat, has a notable career spanning over a decade and currently serves as the Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, where she focuses on strengthening bilateral relations.
Profile of Marilina Armellin
Early Life and Education
Marilina Armellin was born on August 14, 1971, in Conegliano, Treviso, Italy. She earned her degree in International and Diplomatic Sciences from the University of Trieste in 1994.
Diplomatic Career Beginnings
Armellin’s diplomatic career began as a volunteer on September 23, 1996. She progressed to Secretary of Legation on June 23, 1997, serving initially in the Directorate General for Cultural Relations.
International Assignments
Her first international assignment was as First Secretary at the Italian Embassy in Nairobi, starting on July 16, 2001. Upon returning to Italy in 2006, she worked in the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies. In the same year, she was appointed Counselor of Legation on July 2, 2006, and later promoted to head of the Secretariat for the Directorate General for Italians Abroad and Migration Policies in November 2006.
In July 2011, she attained the rank of Counselor of the Embassy and was appointed First Counselor at the Permanent Mission to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva. She subsequently served at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C., beginning on August 24, 2015, and was accredited to the Organization of American States (O.S.A.) as a permanent observer with the title and rank of ambassador.
On September 2, 2019, Armellin was chosen to report directly to the Director General for Globalization and Global Issues. On December 10, 2019, she became the Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the Caribbean Countries.
For the next two years, she served as Deputy Director General/Central Director for the Countries of Latin America to Minister Plenipotentiary.
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Current Posting
On November 13, 2024, Armellin was posted as the ambassador in the Italian embassy in Pakistan, becoming the first Italian woman ambassador to be appointed in Pakistan. During her short tenure, she has significantly strengthened relations with Pakistan, meeting with every special representative of the Pakistani government.
An Italian delegation led by Ambassador Armellin and Rear Admiral Stefano Barbieri, Capability Director of DG Staff, called on Commander Pak Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib. The meeting focused on matters of mutual interest to enhance regional maritime security.
Italy and Pakistan Relations
The relations between Italy and Pakistan date back to 1948, based on economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people contacts. Bilateral relations primarily focus on exports from Pakistan, including textiles, leather products, and agricultural goods, while Italy exports machinery, engineering products, and technology to Pakistan. Italy also provides scholarships and training facilities to Pakistani students and professionals to refine educational relations.
In recent years, Italian and Pakistani officials have collaborated on international issues, including climate change, migration, and counter-terrorism. Both nations aim to address global warming through sustainable solutions.
The cultural exchange programs play a significant role in fostering good relations, with a growing interest in Italian culture among the Pakistani people, particularly in cuisine, fashion, and arts.
Conclusion
Marilina Armellin’s diplomatic career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between Italy and Pakistan. Her efforts in enhancing regional cooperation and cultural exchange continue to build a strong foundation for future collaborations.