Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani was received by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, on April 13.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations of Italy with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and ways to expand mutual cooperation, especially in the economic and energy sectors.
Prime Minister Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to continue supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and reiterated that Italy attaches great importance to the peace and stability of Iraq and Kurdistan. Ms. Meloni described Italy’s relations with Baghdad and Erbil as valuable.
Discussions also covered the latest developments in Iraq, the ongoing efforts to resolve the issues between Erbil and Baghdad and the situation in the wider region.
I’m delighted to meet Prime Minister @GiorgiaMeloni in Rome today. We reiterated our commitment to further broaden our ties. I thanked the Prime Minister for Italy’s support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq during trying times. pic.twitter.com/j4PRiYqJab
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) April 13, 2023
President Barzani also met with Antonio Tajani, the Foreign Minister of Italy, Guido Crosetto, the Defense Minister of Italy and Ignazio La Russa, the President of the Senate of the Republic of Italy.
Foreign Minister Tajani reiterated his country’s desire to expand relations in all fields with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In this regard, Mr. Tajani mentioned that Italy will raise their level of official representation in the Kurdistan Region from Consulate to Consulate General, and described his country’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as special.
Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto expressed his country’s praise for the role of the Kurdistan Region in improving the security and stability of Iraq and the wider region, and in fighting terrorism. He also thanked the Kurdistan Region for cooperation and coordination with the Italian forces in the Kurdistan Region.
President of the Senate Ignazio La Russa expressed his gratitude for the Kurdistan Region and the role of the Peshmerga in defeating ISIS, stating that: “We thank you for standing against ISIS on behalf of the entire world.” Senator Ignazio La Russa also stated that his country attaches importance to their relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
original article PM Meloni
original article Mr. Tajani
original article Mr. Crosetto
original article Mr. La Russa