Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani received Italy’s Defense Minister Ms. Elisabetta Trenta and her accompanying delegation, including Italian Ambassador to Iraq Bruno Antonio Pasquino, and Italian Consul-General to the Kurdistan Region Ms. Serena Muroni.

Minister Trenta thanked the government, Peshmerga, and the people of the Kurdistan Region who bravely faced ISIS terrorism. She affirmed that her country will continue to provide humanitarian and military assistance as well as strengthen relations with the Kurdistan Region.

She also thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government for coordination with Italian forces and the Italian company repairing the Mosul Dam.

Prime Minister Barzani thanked Italy for its military and humanitarian assistance during the times when ISIS severely threatened the Kurdistan Region, and commended the visit of the former Italian Prime Minister to the Kurdistan Region during those difficult times.

He also thanked Italy for responding with critical technical assistance at Mosul Dam to prevent a major catastrophe.

Prime Minister Barzani said he highly values bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy and hoped they will be further strengthened.

The political process in Iraq and the formation of both the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government were also discussed.