Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets President of the Italian Senate in Rome

On 4 May 2021, Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein met the President of the Italian Senate, Mrs. Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati, in Rome.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between Baghdad and Rome, and ways to consolidate them in the framework of strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries, and work to activate the Iraqi-Italian joint committee in a way that contributes to achieving the interests of the two friendly countries.
The Minister expressed his appreciation for Italy’s stances in support of Iraq, especially in confronting ISIS terrorist groups through its participation in the International Coalition, affirmed that Iraq has now become an attractive arena for companies and foreign investments in various sectors after achieving the final victory over ISIS, achieving security, and being politically open to its regional and international surroundings, noting the importance of agreeing on the strategy of cooperation between the two friendly countries, and Iraq’s keenness to have strong presence of the relevant Italian companies in the fields of energy and oil, and benefit from the Italian expertise in the field of antiquities.
Regarding the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Minister said that the visit of His Holiness to Iraq and the city of Ur, the birth place of the father of prophets, Abraham – peace be upon him – represented great support for Iraq, and special support for the Christians, and Iraq looks forward to investing it religiously, politically and culturally, and that it is capable of providing all appropriate security conditions for all minorities to live in peace and safety.
They exchanged views on the tasks of the Italian forces in Iraq, and the prospects for cooperation in the fields of training the Iraqi military forces, and providing advice to the security authorities in order to enable Iraq to eliminate the remnants of ISIS.
For her part, Mrs. Casellati indicated that Italian companies can provide assistance in diversifying the Iraqi economy by investing in projects that will create jobs, improve public services and help developing energy resources in the country, especially after these companies worked in maintaining the Mosul Dam, emphasizing the depth of the historical ties between Iraq and Italy.