President Nechirvan Barzani met with the Italian Ambassador to Iraq Mr. Maurizio Greganti on Saturday in Erbil to discuss bilateral relations of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region with Italy, and the ongoing talks between Erbil and Baghdad to resolve their pending differences.

The President expressed his gratitude for Italy’s support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and referred to the positive atmosphere between Erbil and Baghdad, commending the steps taken by the Iraqi Federal Government in the direction of resolving the outstanding issues. The President also stressed that Baghdad is the main partner of the Kurdistan Region and there is no other way for either side but to resolve their issues.

For his part, the Italian Ambassador referred to the constructive meeting between President Nechirvan Barzani and the Italian Foreign Minister, Mr. Antonio Tajani last February at the Munich conference. Mr. Greganti also stressed that the solution of the problems between Erbil and Baghdad will encourage the international community to increase its engagement with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and to raise the scope for foreign investment in the country.

The meeting, also attended by the Italian Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, highlighted the works and engagements of Italy in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, the developments in the wider region and other issues of common interest.