Kurdistan’s Friendship with Italy Celebrated in Erbil

June 05, 2025

On Tuesday, June 3, Italy’s Consulate General in Erbil celebrated Italy Day, commemorating the supportive relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Italy.

“As we celebrate, we also reflect on the friendship that Italy enjoys with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Italy and Kurdistan have, over time, built a strong and enduring relationship, rooted in mutual respect, cultural ties, and cooperation across a variety of fields,” Italy’s Consul General Tommaso Sansone said in his speech at the event.

“The colors of our flags preserve a shared legacy of hardship and sacrifice to achieve what we have become today – a shared legacy that explains and fuels our many commonalities.”

“We are proud of our partnership in the war on terror. Italian assets carry on the partnership with the peshmerga, providing training and support as part of the coalition against ISIS. I would like to stress my deepest appreciation to all Italian military staff, including our Carabinieri, for their dedication and professionalism in their crucial mission in all governorates of the Kurdistan Region.”

However, he underlined that Italy’s partnership with the Kurdistan Region goes beyond security.

“Economically, we look forward to fostering opportunities that can benefit both the Kurdistan Region and Italy. In this regard, last February an economic forum was held in Rome as a clear signal of our wish and commitment to the Kurdistan Region becoming a platform for the rest of Iraq. We encourage our companies to come to Kurdistan and enjoy its countless opportunities, including fertile soil, a young and well-educated population, political stability, and a secure environment.”

Kurdistan Regional Government Department of Foreign Relations Head Safeen Dizayee underlined that the relationship with Italy has matured through difficult times. “Italy, alongside other international coalition partners, was with us, particularly at a difficult time when the Mosul Dam was taken by ISIS. Through the bravery of our peshmerga, it was taken back,” he said.

Moreover, he said the Italian army and Carabinieri helped to maintain and protect the dam when it was about to collapse. “The dam needed cement grouting almost every day. It was a mission that was taken on by an Italian firm and protected by the Italian military. The continuation of that support is still ongoing.”

“We appreciate it and we want to expand this relation into other fields,” Dizayee added.” Last year, I was part of the delegation visiting Rome. We had several days of very good meetings on various levels, including the signing ceremony between a company from Kurdistan and one from Italy for a huge project that aims to develop the tourism sector. We are more ambitious. We want to do more, and I believe the capability and know-how of Italian companies can help, and they can easily find their way to this region.”

Furthermore, Dizayee also praised Italy for its cultural and archaeological activities in the Kurdistan Region. There are at least 11 Italian archeological expeditions in the Kurdistan Region, cooperating with local directorates of heritage and antiquities.

“The activities that are ongoing in the Kurdistan Region expose its rich history and heritage to the outside world. We thank you for that. A lot has been done, but this region has a lot more to offer. Hopefully these teams will continue to show the world that this region has not only made the headlines due to conflict, but also has a rich history and heritage.”