Erbil, Kurdistan Region, May 3, 2023
President Nechirvan Barzani received today in Erbil the Italian Defense Minister, Mr. Guido Crosetto.
The meeting discussed the development of Italy’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the latest visit of President Nechirvan Barzani to Rome, the political developments in Iraq, and the ongoing talks between Erbil and Baghdad. They also discussed the Italian contributions within the international coalition against ISIS, and the latest developments in the fight against terrorism.
President Nechirvan Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region’s gratitude for the role and military support of Italy in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the fight against ISIS, expressing the Kurdistan Region’s keenness to further develop relations with Italy, particularly expanding the joint cooperation on security issues. The President also showed appreciation for the contributions of the Italian forces in the Kurdistan Region in training the Peshmerga forces.
For his part, the Italian Defense Minister expressed his country’s continued military support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and appreciated the contributions of the Kurdistan Region in defeating ISIS. Mr. Crosetto reiterated that his country attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and considers the peace and stability of the country as important for the wider region and the world.
The meeting, attended by the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, the Italian Consul General in the Kurdistan Region and the commander of the Italian forces, also discussed issues of common interest, the ramifications of the war in Ukraine and the latest developments in the wider region.
https://presidency.gov.krd/en/president-nechirvan-barzani-meets-with-defense-minister-of-italy/