During an official visit to Singapore, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto praised the crew of the Italian Navy ship Giovanni delle Bande Nere, emphasizing the importance of naval diplomacy, international cooperation, and Italy’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto met with the crew of the Italian Navy vessel Giovanni delle Bande Nere during an official visit to Singapore. The ship was docked at Changi Naval Base as part of its operational deployment in the Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing the crew, Minister Crosetto praised their dedication and professionalism, stating that their mission represents much more than military capability. He said the deployment demonstrates Italy’s international credibility and showcases the strength and commitment of the Italian Navy and the country’s Armed Forces.

The minister highlighted the strategic importance of maritime regions such as Singapore, the Strait of Malacca, and key Indo-Pacific shipping routes. He noted that the sea plays a critical role in global security, energy supply, trade, and economic stability.

According to Ministe Crosetto, defence today also means protecting national interests, ensuring freedom of navigation, and strengthening cooperation and dialogue with partner nations and allies. He described the mission as an example of naval diplomacy that promotes Italy’s presence and influence on the global stage.

The minister stressed that the presence of an Italian naval vessel abroad strengthens Italy’s international role and creates opportunities for economic, industrial, and strategic collaboration. He said every port visit and operational activity contributes to building relationships, cooperation, and future opportunities for the country.

Minister Crosetto also recognized the contribution of every crew member, noting that a ship operates successfully only when each individual performs their responsibilities with commitment and awareness. He thanked the sailors for their service and dedication and wished them success for the remainder of their mission.

The visit reflects Italy’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and its commitment to international maritime security, cooperation, and strategic partnerships.

Source: Italian Embassy in Singapore

Italian illustrator Philip Giordano participated in the Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2026 in Singapore, sharing his artistic journey shaped by Italian and Japanese cultural influences.

The Italian Embassy in Singapore highlighted the participation of Italian illustrator Philip Giordano at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2026, one of Asia’s leading festivals dedicated to children’s literature, illustration, and storytelling.

During the festival, Philip Giordano presented a session titled “Moving Roots: An Illustrator’s Journey Between Two Worlds,” where he spoke about how living and working between Italy and Japan influenced his artistic style and creative process. The session explored themes such as colour, composition, line work, narrative rhythm, and visual storytelling.

Audiences were also introduced to the artist’s diverse body of work, including sketchbooks, murals, woodblock paintings, and digital illustrations, providing insight into the evolution of his artistic language shaped by both Italian and Japanese cultures.

In addition to the festival appearance, Philip Giordano visited APICS Italian Cultural Centre Singapore, where he conducted a workshop for young students inspired by the children’s book “The Penguin Who Was Cold.” The interactive session combined drawing, storytelling, and creative activities to encourage discussions on friendship, hospitality, and artistic expression.

The event was supported by Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2026, National Library Board Singapore, and APICS Italian Cultural Centre Singapore as part of efforts to promote Italian culture, artistic collaboration, and intercultural dialogue in Singapore.

Source & Photos Credit: The Italian Embassy in Singapore

Marking six decades of diplomatic ties in 2025, Italy and Singapore reaffirm their shared commitment to innovation, cooperation, and global engagement.

Singapore, 2025 – Italy and Singapore are commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, celebrating a milestone grounded in mutual values of stability, open dialogue, and sustainable development. Over the past six decades, the two countries have cultivated a robust and multidimensional relationship that continues to flourish in areas such as science, technology, security, and economic cooperation.

As part of IN Diplomacy’s Singapore National Day Edition Feature, this landmark occasion is not only a celebration of the past but also a signal of future ambition. Both countries share an outward-looking perspective, with Italy contributing its world-renowned industrial heritage, cultural excellence, and technological know-how, while Singapore continues to serve as a regional leader in innovation, finance, and connectivity.

Economic and trade relations have formed a strong foundation for bilateral collaboration, but the partnership has broadened over the years to encompass cultural exchange, public diplomacy, and strategic engagement. Italian companies regard Singapore as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia, while Singaporean enterprises increasingly look to Italy for collaboration in design, food, fashion, engineering, and advanced manufacturing across Europe.

Scientific and technological cooperation stands out as one of the most vibrant pillars of engagement. Under the current Executive Programme for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, ten joint projects are currently underway, focusing on key sectors such as foodtech, artificial intelligence, medical sciences, robotics, photonics, quantum technologies, and hydrogen research. These initiatives connect universities, research institutes, and start-ups across both countries, reflecting a joint commitment to solving global challenges through innovation.

Naval diplomacy has also become a growing area of collaboration. In 2024, the Italian Carrier Strike Group, led by the aircraft carrier Cavour, made a strategic port call in Singapore, facilitating dialogue in maritime security and defence technologies. The same year, the visit of the training ship Amerigo Vespucci served as a high point in public engagement. The Embassy of Italy organised Villaggio Italia, a large-scale public diplomacy showcase that highlighted Italian excellence in science, education, and industry to thousands of visitors in Singapore.

High-level exchanges have further elevated bilateral ties. In 2024, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore visited Italy, meeting with key Italian leaders, while several high-profile Italian officials travelled to Singapore, including Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, and Undersecretary of State for Defence, Matteo Perego di Cremnago. These visits have contributed to a structured and strategic dialogue between both nations.

Looking ahead, the upcoming visit of Italy’s President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, to Singapore is expected to mark a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. The visit is poised to reinforce ties across innovation, connectivity, defence, and economic development, further aligning Italy and Singapore in their shared vision for a secure, sustainable, and interconnected future.

On the occasion of Singapore’s 60th National Day, Italy extends its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of Singapore, honouring a longstanding friendship rooted in mutual respect and looking forward to deepening the relationship in the decades to come.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia and Italy’s export credit agency, SACE, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide up to $3 billion in financing, aiming to bolster Italian companies’ involvement in the Kingdom’s strategic initiatives.

This agreement focuses on facilitating Italian private sector engagement with PIF and its portfolio companies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. The collaboration seeks to diversify financial sources and strengthen ties with leading global financial institutions, thereby promoting economic growth and development.

Rasees Al-Saud, Head of Financial Institutions and Investor Relations at PIF, remarked, “This MoU represents another landmark in PIF’s strategy to further enhance its range of strategic partnerships with leading international financial institutions and export credit agencies.” He added that the agreement will “unlock opportunities for Italian and Saudi companies to cooperate, as well as exchange business knowledge and experience.”

Alessandra Ricci, CEO of SACE, expressed pride in collaborating with PIF, stating, “We believe this memorandum opens significant opportunities for Italian companies, particularly SMEs, which, with our support, can establish themselves as suppliers and participate in projects sponsored by PIF and PIF portfolio companies in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

This MoU builds upon the existing relationship between PIF and SACE, which has previously facilitated over $3 billion in financing for PIF’s portfolio companies. The continued partnership underscores both nations’ commitment to fostering robust economic ties and mutual growth.

The agreement also aligns with Italy’s broader strategy to strengthen relationships with Gulf countries. In January, Italy and Saudi Arabia signed cooperation and industrial agreements worth approximately $10 billion, covering sectors such as infrastructure, energy, defence, sport, entertainment, and tourism.

Source: Public Investment Fund (PIF)

The event showcases Italy-Singapore collaboration on innovative urban planning and investment opportunities.

SINGAPORE — The Italian Embassy in Singapore recently hosted the INSPIRINGCITIES seminar, focusing on real estate market trends and investment opportunities. Organised in collaboration with COIMA, the event coincided with the PERE Asia Summit and commemorated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Singapore.

The seminar attracted prominent investors, financial institutions, and urban development experts from Italy and the Asia-Pacific region. Discussions centred on sustainable urban planning models, with a particular emphasis on Milan’s Porta Nuova project, renowned for its environmental and economic sustainability.

Italian Ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi, and Italian Ambassador to Malaysia, Massimo Rustico inaugurated the event, while the discussion was moderated by Guendalina Dainelli from AGI. Key representatives from organisations such as COIMA, Lendlease, CapitaLand Development, Generali Real Estate, and Malaysia’s JLand Group participated actively in this event, sharing insights on sustainable urban development, investment strategies, and public-private partnerships

Manfredi Catella, Founder and CEO of COIMA, shared his expertise on sustainable urban development, while Justin Gabbani, CEO of Investment Management at Lendlease, explored the challenges of sustainable city planning. Ahmad Fadzli Zainudin, Strategic Director of Malaysia’s JLand Group, discussed the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. 

Ambassador Brandi highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “Innovation, a strong focus on sustainability, and community inclusion are factors that, along with solid economic return prospects, have led a major Singaporean sovereign fund to invest €200 million in urban regeneration funds currently managed by COIMA.”

The seminar underscored the growing importance of public-private partnerships in urban regeneration and showcased Italy’s contribution to innovative city planning worldwide.

Source: Italian Embassy in Singapore

The Italian Undersecretary of State for Defense’s visit underscores the strong and growing defense relationship between Italy and Singapore.

On October 28, 2024, Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Defense, Mr. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, met with Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Heng Chee How, at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) during a working visit. The officials reaffirmed the warm bilateral defense relations between Italy and Singapore and shared perspectives on current geopolitical and security issues.

Mr. Perego di Cremnago’s two-day visit (October 28-29) highlights the strengthening defense partnership between Singapore and Italy, with growing collaborations spanning defense technology, military training, and professional development. The relationship is maintained through high-level meetings, military exchanges, joint training initiatives, and cross-participation in professional military courses, enhancing mutual understanding and operational readiness.

Both officials acknowledged the importance of this partnership for addressing security challenges and advancing shared strategic interests. As global security concerns continue to evolve, Italy and Singapore are committed to working closely on issues of mutual interest.

Source – MINDEF

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore visited Italy on 24 June 2024, strengthening ties and discussing cooperation with Italian leaders.

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore made an Official Visit to Italy on 24 June 2024, at the invitation of President Sergio Mattarella of the Italian Republic. Upon his arrival, President Tharman received a ceremonial welcome at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, where he met with President Mattarella. The leaders reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Singapore and Italy and explored ways to enhance people-to-people ties through arts and cultural exchanges. They also discussed geopolitical developments and opportunities to bolster multilateral and regional cooperation. The meeting concluded with an official lunch hosted by President Mattarella for President Tharman and his delegation.

Later, President Tharman had a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace. Their discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, collaborating on international efforts such as Artificial Intelligence regulation, and complementing each other’s technical cooperation initiatives with third countries. They also addressed various global and regional issues.

During his visit, President Tharman attended a reception in Rome on the evening of 23 June, where he met members of the Singaporean community in Italy.

President Tharman is scheduled to continue his tour with an Official Visit to Tallinn, Estonia, on 25 and 26 June 2024.

Source – MFA

Experience the mad-crazy-funny-amazing world of Italian a cappella with Mezzotono’s one-night concert in Singapore, featuring a variety of genres performed with 5 voices.

ITALY’s most prominent a cappella group, Mezzotono, will perform in Singapore for a one-night concert on April 16. Hosted by The Lemon Stand Comedy Club and presented by The Italian Embassy in Singapore, the concert promises an unforgettable evening of Italian a cappella music.

Mezzotono is known for its unique blend of humor and exceptional vocal performances. The concert will feature a variety of genres, including Jazz, Bossa Nova, Mambo, Tango, Folklore, Big Band, and classical music, all performed in a cappella with 5 voices.

The concert will be conducted in English, making it accessible to a wide audience. Audience members can expect to be entertained and amazed by Mezzotono’s vocal prowess and captivating performance style.

The event is seated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early booking is advised.

For more info and ticketing, click

On this occasion, the embassy will host a selection of some works of the Italian artists Luciano Ventrone and Cristiano Pintaldi and some sculptures in clay and bronze of the Singaporean artists Jason Lim and Kumari Nahappan. 

REGISTRATION: segr2.singapore@esteri.it 

WHEN: Monday 09^th to Friday 13^th January 2023. 

VENUE: The Embassy of Italy, 9 Raffles Place, #33-01 Republic Plaza, 048619 Singapore ()

OPENING HOURS: 9.30am to 1pm, and 2pm to 4.30pm
Upon registration at segr2.singapore@esteri.it 

ADMISSION: Free Admission

Jason Lim

Regarded as Singapore’s next master ceramist, Jason Lim’s artistic growth over the past decade has been remarkable. Also a performance artist, Jason combines skilled craftsmanship in sculpting with influences from performance art. The result is ceramic pieces that go beyond being mere objects of beauty, to subjects that provoke thought and interaction with the viewer.

Kumari Nahappan

A Singaporean artist whose inter-disciplinary practice encompasses painting, sculpture and installations. She is celebrated for her iconic sculptures across landmarks in Singapore, such as Saga for Changi Airport, Nutmeg & Mace for ION Orchard, Pedas-Pedas for the National Museum and Pembungaan for OUE Bayfront (the largest bronze mural in Singapore). Alongside this, her sculptures have also graced overseas locations across Malaysia, the Philippines and Shanghai, China.

Cristiano Pintaldi

A master contemporary Italian artist who has refined his unique technique of pixel paintings. He uses the RGB colours (Red, Green and Blue) placed together against canvas to mimic how pixels are placed on the television screen.

Luciano Ventrone

An Italian artist and master in Hyperrealism painting aka the “modern-day Caravaggio”. One of the most celebrated artist of our time. Ventrone captures incredible details that are otherwise invisible to our eyes and his paintings are beyond the representation of an object. Each of his works can contain more than 500 colours. 

For more details on the Exhibition:

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