Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with Italy’s ambassador to Iraq, Niccolo Fontana, to discuss deeper economic cooperation and the formation of the new Kurdistan government. The meeting in Erbil focused on ways to boost trade, attract investment, and enhance bilateral relations between Iraq and Italy through the Kurdistan Region.
President Barzani emphasized that economic cooperation between Iraq and Italy can play a key role in developing infrastructure, energy, and business opportunities in the Kurdistan Region. He noted that stronger partnerships will help the Region advance stability and prosperity while also supporting Iraq’s broader economic recovery.
Ambassador Fontana reaffirmed Italy’s strong commitment to its partnership with the Kurdistan Region, calling it a “vital bridge” for economic and political cooperation. He praised the Region’s role in maintaining peace and supporting development efforts in Iraq.
The talks also covered regional matters, including the peace process between Turkiye and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as well as tensions in Syria between government forces and armed groups. Both sides agreed that dialogue and collaboration are essential for achieving long-term regional stability.
The meeting ended with both leaders expressing optimism about the next phase of Iraq–Italy relations and the Kurdistan Region’s growing role as an economic hub.