Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Sunday received Italy’s Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto, who praised the role of peshmerga forces in the fight against ISIS.
“The Kurdistan Region remains committed to further deepening ties with Italy and enhancing peace and stability throughout the region,” President Nechirvan Barzani posted on X.
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
“I reiterated my gratitude to the people and leadership of Italy for their continued support in the war against terrorism.”
The Kurdistan Region Presidency in a readout said that the discussions also covered Italy’s support and role in countering terrorism, the situation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and the ongoing threat of a resurgence by ISIS.
For his part, Minister Crosetto emphasized that his country values its important partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and is committed to continuing its support and assistance in all areas.
#Erbil
— Ministero Difesa (@MinisteroDifesa) December 22, 2024
“Colloquio molto amichevole e costruttivo con Presidente@KurdistanRegion, Nêçîrvan Barzanî @IKRPresident.
Discusso di sicurezza regionale, sviluppo e stabilità dell’area. Ricevuti sentiti ringraziamenti per operato nostri militari e per vicinanza e aiuto alla… pic.twitter.com/zTLa3Xij7R
He praised the role of the peshmerga forces in the fight against terrorism and ISIS and acknowledged the significant standing and role of the Kurdistan Region in the region.
“The peshmerga played a key role in countering ISIS, and Italy intends to support them in their continued development,” Minister Crosetto said.
“We are concerned that ISIS may again become a danger due to the fragility induced by the crisis in Syria. Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are central to regional stability and to Italy’s interests, which see Erbil as a key player for peace and stability. Italy intends to support Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan Region within the Coalition and NATO, and also bilaterally.”
#Erbil
— Ministero Difesa (@MinisteroDifesa) December 22, 2024
"Very friendly and constructive conversation with President@KurdistanRegion, Nêçîrvan Barzanî @IKRPresident.
The conversation covered regional security, development and stability in the area, and the President expressed his gratitude for the work of the military and the…
Both officials discussed efforts to eliminate ISIS and agreed that the group still poses a serious threat to the security in the region.
They underlined the importance of a continued international coalition against ISIS and support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and stressed Iraq’s vital role in addressing the region’s challenges and crises.
Read More: Italian Ambassador Highlights Cultural Ties and Cooperation in Kurdistan
Currently, Italian soldiers are based at Camp Singara in Erbil and are training Kurdish peshmerga forces.
On December 20, Italy’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region Tommaso Sansone, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs Chief of Staff Staff Lieutenant General Issa Ozer, senior peshmerga commanders, and coalition military advisors attended the Italian forces’ command exchange ceremony in Erbil.
In the presence of the #Italian Consul General in the KRI, the MoPA Chief of Staff, a number of senior commanders & officers of the #Peshmerga forces & military advisors of the coalition forces, the exchange ceremony of the commander of the Italian forces in the #KRI was held. pic.twitter.com/oabWXp1ktY
— Ministry of Peshmerga (@KRG_MOPE) December 20, 2024
