Italy Announces Full Military Withdrawal From Iraq
Italy's Ministry of Defense announced the full withdrawal of its forces from Iraq, saying Rome and Baghdad will now focus on training and military cooperation.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Italy's Ministry of Defense announced the withdrawal of all its military forces from Iraq, saying relations between Rome and Baghdad are entering a new phase built on closer cooperation, training, and the exchange of expertise.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry formally declared the withdrawal of the last convoy of Italian forces from Iraqi territory complete. It said the pullout followed an agreement with the authorities in Baghdad.
The ministry said Italian forces left Iraq alongside the other participants in the coalition, before the Sept. 30 deadline.
It also praised the conduct of Italy's armed forces during their years of service in Iraq. According to the ministry, they carried out their duties with a high level of competence, a spirit of sacrifice, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Looking ahead, the ministry said the next stage of relations between Baghdad and Rome will focus on expanding cooperation, military training, and strengthening the capabilities of Iraq's armed forces. It said the new framework would also include exchanging experience and developing those capabilities.
The ministry stressed that the withdrawal of Italian armed forces does not mean an end to Italy's relationship with Iraq, which it described as an important and friendly country. It added that the move would not stand in the way of shaping new forms of cooperation and partnership in the future.