Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Vincenzo Prati has said that his stay in Pakistan was marvellous and one of the most memorable periods of his life.

The Italian envoy, who is leaving Islamabad in a few days after completing his tenure, was addressing the participants of a dinner hosted in his honour by Minister In-charge for National Harmony Dr. Paul Bhatti here on Thursday. Diplomats from Argentina, Germany, Sweden and Canada and Ministry of National Harmony Secretary Jumman J. Jamro were also present in the reception.

Mr Prati thanked his host Dr. Bhatti and Government of Pakistan for extending hospitality during his stay in Pakistan as Italian ambassador. He said that people of Pakistan are peace-loving and it is a tiny minority that is responsible for spreading violence.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bhatti expressed gratitude for Prati’s collaboration with him, his ministry in his efforts to bring the minorities in Pakistan into the mainstream and improve their social and economic status.

Welcoming the guests on behalf of the Ministry of National Harmony, Dr. Bhatti lauded the contribution of the ambassador in promoting interfaith harmony and building the soft image of Pakistan at the international level. He expressed the hope that he would continue to strengthen the good relations between Pakistan and Italy.

He also thanked the diplomats from other friendly countries for gracing the reception and expressed gratitude for their continued support and their governments’ steps taken for the welfare of the people of Pakistan.

Dr. Paul Bhatti expressed his gratitude to the people and Government of Italy for extending immediate and generous assistance for earthquake and flood victims in Pakistan.

Dr. Bhatti thanked the Italian ambassador for his deep association with the project of restoration of ancient buildings of Multan for which the Government of Italy had extended generous technical and financial assistance.