Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday met with Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Marina Sereni.

In the meeting, also attended by the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, both sides discussed the latest developments in the country and the wider region, as well as efforts to form Iraq's next government.

Prime Minister Barzani expressed his gratitude for Italy's continuous support of the Peshmerga forces, and expressed the Kurdistan Region's desire to develop ties with Rome in all respects.

The Italian Deputy Foreign Minister addressed the relationship between Italy and the Kurdistan Region, and expressed her country's desire to increase bilateral cooperation in trade, business and investment.

She further added that her government are looking forward to Prime Minister Barzani visiting Italy and meeting with his Italian counterpart at his time of convenience.