President Masoud Barzani welcomed Italy’s ambassador to Iraq Mr. Massimo Marotti in his office in Salahaddin yesterday to discuss bilateral relations and explore ways to further strengthen ties between the two sides.

The meeting also focused on the security situation in the region in general, the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections, and the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, particularly over oil exports and budgetary issues.

The Italian ambassador also said that his country plans to upgrade its consular office in Erbil to a full consulate general by the end of this year. He added that since his first arrival in Iraq as ambassador, the number of Italian companies have doubled in the country.

For his part, President Barzani said that the KRG is equally keen to expand bilateral relations with Italy and it will provide all kinds of assistance for Italian businesses and investors interested in working in Kurdistan.

PNA