ERBIL () — President Masoud Barzani met with Italian Ambassador to Iraq Niccolò Fontana in Erbil’s Pirmam district on Wednesday to discuss strengthening relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy, according to a statement from Barzani Headquarters.
During the meeting, Fontana conveyed his condolences to President Barzani over the death of Abdulwahid Ibrahim Sheikh AbdulSalam Barzani.
The two sides also discussed recent regional developments, the challenges and threats facing Iraq, and the ongoing threat posed by terrorism.
The Italian ambassador stressed Italy’s strong interest in the future of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, saying stability in both is important to his country.
President Barzani and Fontana emphasized the need to further develop relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy.
Barzani Headquarters also highlighted the successful coordination and joint efforts between the Italian military and the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism in recent years, stressing the importance of expanding cooperation.
Italy has been part of the international coalition against Islamic State (ISIS) and has provided military training and support to Peshmerga forces as part of efforts to counter the group and prevent its resurgence.
