The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, met yesterday at the Farnesina with the former President of Iraqi Kurdistan and leader of the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP), Masoud Barzani.
Tajani and Barzani discussed bilateral relations between Italy and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which are strengthened by a growing economic partnership and fruitful cooperation in the field of defence. Recalling last year’s Italy-Iraqi Kurdistan business forum in Rome, Tajani emphasised Italian companies’ interest in strengthening cooperation in the energy, infrastructure, pharmaceutical and agri-food sectors.
In the field of defence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the presence in Iraqi Kurdistan of numerous Italian military personnel engaged in counter-terrorism activities and bilateral training of Iraqi and Iraqi Kurdish security forces. As discussed by Tajani with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein at their meeting in Rome in December, the stability and security of Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan are strategic priorities for Italy.
Tajani and Barzani also discussed the situation in Syria, in light of the alarming developments in the north-east. They reiterated the importance of a diplomatic solution between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces for the stability of the country, the integration of the Kurds and the success of the political transition. Tajani reiterated that the stability, unity and territorial integrity of Syria are a priority for Italy, together with the hope that the rights of all components of Syrian society, including Kurds, Christians, Druze and Alawites, will be guaranteed.
