President Nechirvan Barzani received on Saturday in Erbil, Italy’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Marina Sereni and her accompanying delegation.

The meeting focused on the bilateral relations of Italy with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the latest political developments in the country, Erbil-Baghdad relations, the developments in the Kurdistan Region, the continuing threat of terrorism and the latest movements of ISIS.

President Nechirvan Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region’s willingness to promote bilateral relations with Italy and to expand areas of cooperation between the two countries. The President reaffirmed the gratitude of the Kurdistan Region for Italy’s humanitarian and military support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in the fight against terrorism.

Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining security, and sustaining political and economic stability in the country. They reaffirmed the need for dialogue and a common understanding among all Iraqi parties to break the political gridlock and to bring about a government which is inclusive, and which addresses the grievances of the people and communities of Iraq.

Ms. Sereni reiterated the invitation of Italy’s Foreign Minister to President Nechirvan Barzani to visit Rome, and stressed that Italy attaches great importance to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Ms. Sereni said the Middle East, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are important areas for Italy’s development programs and cooperation.

The meeting, which was attended by Italian Ambassador to Baghdad and the Consul General in Erbil, discussed Italy’s contributions in the fields of culture and archeology in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the situation in Syria and other issues of mutual interest.