Italy-Iraq: Kurdish President Barzani strengthens ties and cooperation with a visit to Rome

The President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, held a series of high-level meetings in Rome on 18 and 19 May, as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Barzani held talks with the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, the Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The Kurdish President’s visit came just days after the Council of Ministers gave the green light to the continuation of Italian international missions for 2026, which to date have included participation in the activities of the NATO Mission in Iraq, the European Union Assistance Mission in Iraq (EUAM) and Operation Prima Parthica as a national contribution to the International Coalition against the Islamic State.

During the meeting with Defence Minister Crosetto on 18 May, Italy’s support for stability in the region and for cooperation with the Kurdish Peshmerga forces in countering jihadist threats in the region was reaffirmed. In a statement published on X, Crosetto reported that Barzani “expressed gratitude and appreciation for Italy’s support, including through the Italian presence within the international missions deployed in Kurdistan and Iraq”. The minister emphasised that the meeting represented “a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the friendship and strong bond uniting Italy and the Kurdistan Regional Government”, as well as highlighting “the fruitful cooperation” between the Italian Armed Forces and the Peshmerga.

On 19 May, Barzani was received in the morning by the President of the Republic, Mattarella, and in the afternoon by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tajani. Upon his arrival at the Quirinale, the Kurdish president was greeted with military honours by the guard of honour. In a video released by the Italian Presidency, Mattarella welcomed Barzani and his delegation, and expressed the hope that cooperation might become “ever more intense”. The President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region thanked Mattarella for the welcome he received in Rome, describing the visit to the Quirinale as “an honour and a pleasure”. According to what Barzani later wrote on X, during his meeting with Mattarella, “the shared desire to further expand ties in various sectors” was emphasised. “I thanked Italy for its steadfast support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, including its political, humanitarian and development roles, as well as its military aid during the war on terrorism,” added the Kurdish president.

During the meeting with Tajani, according to a statement released by the Kurdish presidency, Barzani reiterated “the gratitude of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq for the continued support and assistance provided by Italy in maintaining regional stability”.

Regarding the latest developments in the Middle East, the Kurdish Presidency reported that the parties emphasised “the importance of reducing tensions and preserving peace and stability”. During the meeting, Tajani confirmed Italy’s solidarity with Iraq following the attacks it has suffered in the context of the war in Iran and regarding the country’s path to stabilisation. “I confirmed Italy’s full solidarity regarding the attacks suffered in recent months and our commitment to stability, security and de-escalation in the Middle East, including the protection of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Tajani wrote on X. The Foreign Minister then added that he had confirmed Italy’s support “for the stabilisation of the country and Iraqi Kurdistan, including through a strengthening of the bilateral economic partnership that will enable our companies to export more and more to Iraq as well”. Tajani also emphasised “the decisive role of the Kurdish authorities in Iraq’s political and institutional stability, thanking the Erbil government for its important efforts to protect the Christian community”.

Barzani’s high-level meetings in Rome therefore form part of the consolidation of relations between Italy and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which have been strengthened over the years, particularly in terms of political cooperation, security and support for the international coalition against the jihadist group Islamic State. During his visit to Italy, the Kurdish president also travelled to the Vatican, where on Monday he met the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Presidency of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region reported in a statement that the meeting focused on the development of bilateral relations with the Vatican, as well as the political and security situation in Iraq and the situation regarding religious and ethnic communities. The parties emphasised the importance of continuing the dialogue and deepening the values of coexistence and tolerance in the region.

[Source: Nova News (Italy) - translated from the Italian and edited by EDGE news]