Italy, KRG strengthen ties in recent meeting

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – An Italian Senate delegation officially met with Kurdistan Region high-ranked officials to discuss bilateral relations on Sunday.

The Italian delegation, headed by Pier Ferdinando Casini, Head of Foreign Affairs in the Italian Senate, met with Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani and Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

In the meeting with President Barzani, Casini stated that he is “satisfied with the level of coordination between Italian forces and Peshmerga forces protecting the Mosul dam.”

The Italian representative also expressed his country’s continued support for the people of Kurdistan.

According to a statement released by the Kurdistan Region Presidency website, President Barzani thanked the anti-Islamic State (IS) Coalition and Italy for providing airstrikes. The President also added that the people of Italy are friends of Kurdistan.

“Despite the humanitarian and economic impact on the people of Kurdistan due to terrorist attacks, alongside hosting nearly two million IDPs, the Iraqi government has been delinquent in assisting the Kurdistan Region,” President Barzani said.

In another meeting with the KRG Prime Minister, Casini expressed his delight to visit the Region and see the military bases where Italian military advisors train Peshmerga forces.

Casini also praised the Peshmerga for their constant victories against terrorists, stating that Kurds have been the source of pride in the international community. 

Additionally, Casini invited Prime Minister Barzani to visit Italy to encourage further assistance and support for the Kurds.

On Dec. 23, 2015, Italy opened its Consulate in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

Italy is one of the members of the international coalition in the war against IS.

The coalition includes nearly 200 Italian advisors who provide training and support for Peshmerga forces in the Region.

Editing by Ava Homa and Karzan Sulaivany