Italy Reaffirms Commitment to Kurdistan Region as Vital Middle Eastern Partner
In a significant diplomatic engagement on Sunday, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto underscored Italy’s steadfast commitment to the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing its strategic importance in the Middle East.
During a meeting with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Minister Crosetto discussed enhancing military and security cooperation among Italy, the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq. The dialogue also encompassed Italy’s contributions to counter-terrorism initiatives and an assessment of the security landscape, including the ongoing threat posed by ISIS.
President Barzani expressed profound gratitude for Italy’s unwavering support, particularly in the fight against terrorism and efforts to eradicate ISIS. He affirmed the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Italy to uphold stability in the region.
I’m pleased to welcome my friend, Italian Defense Minister @GuidoCrosetto, back to Erbil.
— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) December 22, 2024
The Kurdistan Region remains committed to further deepening ties with Italy and enhancing peace and stability throughout the region.
I reiterated my gratitude to the people and… pic.twitter.com/ptHYavqhSQ
Minister Crosetto lauded the Peshmerga forces for their critical role in combating terrorism and defeating ISIS. He reiterated Italy’s commitment to bolstering its partnership with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq across various sectors, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in maintaining Middle Eastern stability.
Both leaders acknowledged the persistent threat posed by ISIS, citing the group’s ongoing reorganization efforts. They agreed on the necessity of continued international coalition support to safeguard security and stability in Iraq, Syria, and the broader region.
The meeting also addressed recent regional developments, particularly the situation in Syria and its implications. Additionally, both sides emphasized the importance of keeping Iraq neutral amid regional conflicts.
This high-level meeting reaffirms the robust bilateral relationship between Italy and the Kurdistan Region, with a shared focus on security collaboration and counter-terrorism efforts.
