Qatar and Italy have enjoyed strong political and economic relations for decades. The two countries have been working closely in the fields of defense and security.

Earlier, in 2016, Qatar’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) had signed a €4 billion deal with Italian shipbuilding company, Fincantieri, to build and supply the country with seven new-generation military vessels.

The contract was signed for four corvette warships, one amphibious vessel (LPD — Landing Platform Dock) and two patrol vessels (OPV — Offshore Patrol Vessel).

The deal also includes 15 years of support services after the delivery of the vessels. All units will be built entirely in Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards.

Yesterday, the second corvette under this agreement was unveiled at a ceremony held in the Italian city La Spezia.

MoD inaugurated "Damsa" corvette, the Ministry announced on its Twitter page.

This ship is the second of four corvettes manufactured by Fincantieri for the Amiri Naval Forces.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Logistics Major-General (Pilot) Mubarak bin Mohamed al-Kumait al-Khayarin and Rear Admiral Giorgio Lazio from the Italian Navy were present on the occasion in addition to several other dignitaries. 

The ceremony also witnessed the laying of the keel of another corvette, Simaisma.

The corvette project ambitions to further boost the competencies of the Amiri Naval Forces.

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Cover, Inline Images Credit and Source: MoD