Italian Defense Minister reaffirms support for Kurdistan Region during high-level meeting

They stressed the need for sustained international coalition support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq while highlighting the importance of keeping Iraq neutral in regional conflicts.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani (R) and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto (L). (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani (R) and Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto (L). (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Dec. 22, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, Italy's Defense Minister underscored his country's commitment to the Kurdistan Region, portraying it as a valuable partner and praising the Region's important position in the Middle East.

During a meeting on Sunday with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto discussed military and security cooperation between Italy, the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The discussion also covered Italy's role in counter-terrorism efforts and the current situation in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, including the threat of ISIS resurgence.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude for Italy's continual support to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq across all sectors, predominantly in the fight against terrorism and the defeat of ISIS.

He also expressed the Region's preparedness to further improve joint cooperation and uphold stability in the area.

"Italy views its relationship with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a vital partnership and will continue its support across all sectors," Minister Crosetto stated.

He also commended the Peshmerga's role in the battle against terrorism and defeating ISIS, while underlining the Kurdistan Region's important position in the Middle East.

Both parties talked about ISIS's reorganization efforts and came to an agreement that the group still poses a real threat to security and stability in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region.

They stressed the need for sustained international coalition support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq while highlighting the importance of keeping Iraq neutral in regional conflicts.

The meeting also dealt with recent regional developments, above all the situation in Syria and its repercussions, along with other matters of mutual interest.

This high-level meeting underlines the ongoing strong bilateral relationship between Italy and the Kurdistan Region, particularly in security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts.