Italian Envoy Hails Kurdistan Region as Model of Stability in a Turbulent Region
Nicolo Fontana highlighted the important role played by PM Masrour Barzani and President Nechirvan Barzani in strengthening international partnerships, describing their leadership as “highly coordinated and effective.”
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Italian Ambassador to Iraq, Nicolo Fontana, reaffirmed on Wednesday that Italy and the Kurdistan Region share a strategic objective: the consolidation of regional stability. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, Ambassador Fontana described bilateral relations as “excellent” and steadily evolving across political, social, and cultural domains.
Fontana underscored his country’s eagerness to deepen economic cooperation with the Kurdistan Region, a move he said aligns with broader European efforts to support peace and prosperity in the Middle East.
Commenting on the recent diplomatic engagements of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Antalya and Paris, the ambassador welcomed the initiatives as “serious and constructive attempts to enhance regional stability,” reaffirming Italy’s support for such diplomatic overtures.
Kurdistan: A Pillar of Regional Stability
In assessing regional transformations, Ambassador Fontana emphasized the critical need to preserve the Middle East’s stability. “Any change should ultimately serve the interests of the people of the region and bring them closer to a better life,” he noted.
He also praised the leadership of the Kurdistan Region for fostering peace and political steadiness at a time when much of the surrounding region remains mired in volatility. “The Kurdistan Region stands out as a model of stability and resilience. It can serve as an example for others,” he stated.
Fontana highlighted the important role played by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and President Nechirvan Barzani in strengthening international partnerships, describing their leadership as “highly coordinated and effective.” He extended his personal wishes for their continued success in both governance and diplomacy.
Towards Broader Economic Partnership
The ambassador concluded his remarks by expressing Italy’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in the agricultural sector—a vital component of the Kurdistan Region’s economic diversification strategy.
Italy has been a consistent partner in supporting reconstruction and development efforts in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and officials on both sides appear determined to take that partnership to new heights in the years ahead.
