Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq Niccolo Fontana this week met with senior Kurdish leaders and underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between Italy and the Kurdistan Region.
“It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I take on the leadership of the Italian Embassy in the Republic of Iraq, a country that plays a crucial role in the region, rich in history and with great potential for growth and development,” he said in a statement on November 7 after his appointment.
Gli ultimi sviluppi in ??, Kurdistan e in Medio Oriente gli argomenti al centro del colloquio di Amb @niccoloffontana con il PM della Regione del Kurdistan Iracheno @masrourbarzani. ?? e KRG sono impegnati ad approfondire relazione di amicizia e cooperazione. pic.twitter.com/fD06cKWkLo
— Italy in Iraq (@ItalyinIraq) December 2, 2024
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani welcomed Ambassador Fontana to Erbil on December 2, congratulated him on his new role, and reaffirmed the KRG’s support as he began his mission.
Ambassador Fontana reiterated Italy’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Kurdistan Region across various fields.
“The latest developments in Iraq, Kurdistan, and the Middle East were central to the discussion between Ambassador Niccolo Fontana and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” Ambassador Fontana posted on X. “Italy and the Kurdistan Region are committed to deepening their relationship of friendship and cooperation.”
A Erbil, Amb @niccolofontana è stato ricevuto da @IKRPresident Barzani. Al centro del colloquio ultimi sviluppi in Siria e nella Regione. Piena sintonia su importanza di rafforzare la cooperazione tra ?? e KRI in vari settori, in primis in campo economico e di sicurezza. pic.twitter.com/Fbkw8rYa8R
— Italy in Iraq (@ItalyinIraq) December 3, 2024
On December 3, Ambassador Fontana met with President Nechirvan Barzani. According to the readout of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, President Barzani “emphasized the commitment of the Kurdistan Region to supporting Ambassador Fontana in his endeavors, while also reiterating Kurdistan’s strong and ongoing relations with the Italian Republic.”
In a post on X, Ambassador Fontana stated that the discussion with President Barzani “focused on the latest developments in Syria and the region. Full agreement was reached on the importance of strengthening cooperation between Italy and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq in various sectors, primarily in economic and security fields.”
On his visit to Pirmam, Ambassador Fontana wrote on X that he “was received by Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and regarded as the Father of the Nation.”
“The focus was on the longstanding friendship between Italy and the KRG, ongoing cooperation in various sectors, the crucial role of the Kurdistan Region in the anti-ISIS Coalition, and the future of Italy and the Kurdistan Region.”
A Pirman, Amb @niccoloffontana è stato ricevuto dal leader PDK e Padre della Patria @masoud_barzani. Focus su antichi legami di amicizia tra ?? e KRG e cooperazione in atto in vari settori, sul ruolo cruciale ?? nella Coalizione anti-Isis, e su futuro ?? e del KRI. pic.twitter.com/xOLKzCxmds
— Italy in Iraq (@ItalyinIraq) December 2, 2024
