During his visit to Italy on Thursday, in Rome, President Masoud Barzani met with Italian Defense Minister H.E. Guido Crosetto and discussed the latest developments in Rojava (West Kurdistan).

The Barzani headquarters said that the Defense Minister warmly welcomed President Barzani and praised his role in the struggle for freedom, noting that he has dedicated his life to this cause as a Peshmerga. 

He described the Kurdistan Region as a model of coexistence and stability and said it is a source of pride. He also affirmed that Italy is a close friend of the Kurdish people and will continue to support the people of Kurdistan.

Furthermore, the meeting also addressed the latest developments in Syria and the situation in Rojava (Western Kurdistan), where there are clashes between Kurdish forces and the Syrian government. President Barzani stressed that the Kurdish people in Syria must be protected. 

In response, the Italian Defense Minister reiterated that the Kurdish people must not be harmed, and that they should be protected and able to live in freedom.

After meeting Italy’s Minister of Defense, in Rome, President Barzani underlined that “more important than anything else is the dignity and existence of the Kurdish people.”  

“We are ready to do whatever is necessary to protect the dignity of the people of Kurdistan. We discussed Western Kurdistan (Rojava) with Italy’s Minister of Defense.  Italy will continue to support the Kurdish people and we are making every effort to achieve peace.”

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the protection of the people of Kurdistan, especially in Western Kurdistan. Our hearts are with Western Kurdistan and the Kurdish region in Syria must be protected.   We are doing everything possible to help Western Kurdistan.”