Italian Defense Minister Visits Iraq To Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Cooperation

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto met with Iraqi political leaders on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties and cooperation. During the meeting, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani commended Italy’s role in assisting Iraq in combating terrorism, according to a statement from the prime minister’s media office.

Al Sudani also praised the involvement of Italian companies in various sectors in Iraq, including health, education, industry, and water conservation, and highlighted promising cooperation opportunities in these fields. Crosetto expressed Italy’s willingness to increase cooperation and anticipated a high-ranking Iraqi delegation’s visit to Italy.

The meeting was also attended by Iraqi Defense Minister Thabet al-Abbasi and several Iraqi commanders. Additionally, Crosetto met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, who appreciated Italy’s support for the Iraqi people in their fight against the Islamic State group, as reported in a statement issued by the Iraqi presidency.