Historic navy sailing ship stopover for first time in its history in Aqaba

AMMAN — The Amerigo Vespucci, the historic sailing ship and training ship of the Italian Navy, arrived in Aqaba on February 5, the 34th stop on the World Tour. The stopover followed by just a few days the stop in the city of Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia. This is the ship's first visit to Jordan and the penultimate stop before returning to the Mediterranean. 

The Amerigo Vespucci, guardian of the most ancient naval and seafaring traditions for over ninety years, is one of the most well-known symbols of Italy in the world, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. 

The initiative of the "Vespucci World Tour,"wanted and supported by the Minister of Defence of the Italian Government Guido Crosetto, combined the primary training activity of the Officer cadets and the promotion of the excellence of Made in Italy. 

The Vespucci is the emblem of the Italian Navy and of Italy itself: in the wake of maritime traditions, over the years it has contributed to the growth of the country's prestige. The ship left the Port of Genoa on July 1, 2023 to complete a round-the-world trip lasting about 2 years and brings with it the culture, history, innovation, science, research, technology, which make Italy a country appreciated all over the world, the statement said. 

The Welcome Ceremony was held on February 6th; the Amerigo Vespucci was welcomed to Aqaba by the Italian Ambassador to Jordan, Luciano Pezzotti, Colonel Hisham Jarrah, Commander of the Royal Jordanian Naval Force, Hamza Haj Hasan, Deputy Chief Commissioner, Commissioner for Economic Development and Tourism and Khaled Al-Hajjaj – Governor of Aqaba.