ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan met Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan Marlena Armellin at the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday to discuss strengthening Pakistan Italy relations, expanding cooperation in youth development, education, skills training, and labour mobility, and advancing joint initiatives through policy coordination, institutional partnerships, and effective implementation of existing agreements.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Italy, particularly in the fields of education, research, and youth empowerment.
Rana Mashhood expressed appreciation for Italy’s support for Pakistan’s candidature for a non permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, terming it a reflection of growing diplomatic trust and shared international outlook.
Describing Italy as an important educational destination for Pakistani students, the chairman emphasized the need to further expand academic and research collaboration between institutions of both countries.
He highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s young and skilled workforce for Italian industries and called for the effective implementation of the Labour Mobility Memorandum of Understanding, alongside enhanced cooperation in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
Rana Mashhood also stressed the importance of simplifying, streamlining, and making more transparent the processes for worker and student visas, noting that improved mobility frameworks would help create sustainable employment
opportunities and better align skills with international labour market needs.
He further underlined that expanding global partnerships, promoting youth exchanges, strengthening skills development, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for young people are among the most pressing priorities of the time.
The Pakistani community residing in Italy was described as a strong bridge between the two countries, playing a constructive role in fostering people to people ties.
Ambassador Armellin appreciated the efforts of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in creating opportunities for Pakistani youth and said Italy looks forward to building a strong partnership with the programme to advance shared objectives in education, skills development, and youth cooperation.