Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations Receives his Italian Counterpart in Baghdad

On Monday, May 19, 2025, the Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations, Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, received Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ms. Maria Tripodi, and her accompanying delegation at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Baghdad.

Undersecretary Bahr Aluloom welcomed the Italian delegation, emphasizing Iraq’s deep appreciation for Italy’s support in various fields, expressing Baghdad’s aspiration to enhance bilateral cooperation in light of Iraq’s tangible improvement in the security situation and continued economic growth, opening the way for more investment opportunities and partnership building.

The two sides discussed ways to develop cooperation in the fields of education, capacity building, and exchange of expertise, particularly in the banking system and water resources management sectors. As well Undersecretary Bahr Aluloom called on the Italian side to reconsider the security warning regarding travel to Iraq, noting the safe environment and positive developments taking place in the country. He emphasized the importance of activating the meetings of the Iraqi-Italian Joint Committee, accelerating the signing of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding, and enhancing cooperation with the private sector through the chambers of commerce in both countries.

On the regional level, the two sides exchanged views on the most prominent regional and international developments. The Undersecretary reviewed the features of Iraqi foreign policy based on “productive diplomacy,” which seeks to achieve economic integration as a gateway to enhancing stability in the region, highlighting major strategic projects, foremost among them the “Development Road” project, and the pivotal role Iraq plays in regional stability. The two sides also emphasized the importance of deepening joint cooperation in the areas of counterterrorism, climate change, and environmental challenges, in order to enhance sustainable security in the region.

On her part, Undersecretary Tripodi expressed her admiration for the progress noted in Iraq, affirming that these improvements have become tangible in comparison to her previous visit. She also affirmed the Italian government’s desire to expand economic cooperation with Iraq, revealing new economic programs the Italian government intends to launch soon to reinforce this trend, most notably organizing an Iraqi-Italian economic forum with the participation of business leaders from both countries. She noted that Iraq’s stability represents a pivotal pillar for stability across the entire region.