“Italy confirms its commitment to support Iraq”. The point was underscored by Deputy Minister Lapo Pistelli to his Iraqi hosts during a visit to Baghdad on 9 and 10 October 2013.
Continuing the democratisation process
During his visit, the Deputy Minister met Deputy Prime Minister Mutlaq, Deputy Prime Minister Shahristani, Foreign Minister Zebari and the Under-Secretary for Bilateral relations, Khairullah. Pistelli also met the Chair of the Iraqi Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Hammoudi, the Prime Minister’s Chief Economic Adviser, Thamer Ghadhban, and the Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, His Holiness Louis Sako.
In all his discussions, Deputy Minister Pistelli expressed the Italian Government’s keen interest in the new Iraq at a complex time for regional stability. He encouraged the Iraqi administration to continue the democratisation process that has been under way since 2003. Domestic politics in the run-up to the elections in 2014 and the worsening security situation were the subject of frank discussion.
A key country in resolving the Syrian crisis
“Iraq is a key country in resolving the Syrian crisis and fostering détente between Iran and the West”, commented the Deputy Minister. The talks in Baghdad enabled an in-depth exchange of views on the outlook for a solution to the Syrian crisis (especially in light of the positive developments in New York). The new Iranian stance resulting from the more open approach adopted by the newly-elected President Rohani was also discussed. In view of its geostrategic position, Iraq has a direct interest in the two dossiers and can make a decisive contribution to their solution.
Huge opportunities for Italian businesses
The huge opportunities opened up by the reconstruction in Iraq, now the second oil producer of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), was another key issue. As the Deputy Minister commented, “Italian businesses in Iraq have huge opportunities, and not just in the energy sector”. The country needs massive investment in infrastructure, construction, transport and more. Our business community has grasped such potential in the past, and can continue to enjoy its fruits.
