“The meeting focused on Italy’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with an emphasis on strengthening cooperation in areas such as the economy, culture, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage,” read the statement.
“President Nechirvan Barzani expressed appreciation for Italy’s active role in the international coalition against ISIS [Islamic State], as well as its continued support for the Peshmerga forces and development initiatives,” it added.
They also discussed regional developments and the broader situation in the Middle East.
The Italian ambassador, in a post on X, said he had an “enriching and in-depth conversation” with President Barzani and they agreed on a goal of boosting the presence of Italian companies in the Kurdistan Region.
Rome and Erbil enjoy good ties and last year Italy upgraded its consulate in Erbil to a consulate general.
Italy is a member of the global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) that was formed by the United States in 2014 when the terror group seized control of a swath of Iraqi and Syrian land. Italian forces have had a key role in training Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
