Iraqi and Italian Presidents emphasize enhancing Iraqi-Italian ties

World 10:42 AM - 2023-06-13

Iraqi and Italian Presidents.

The two Iraqi and Italian Presidents met in Italy and stressed strengthening relations between the two friendly countries.

After receiving a formal invitation from His Excellency Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Sunday, June 11, 2023, Iraqi President Abdullatif Jamal Rashid arrived in Italy for a brief state visit. President Rashid accepted President Sergio Mattarella's invitation to travel to Italy. It is the first state visit to Italy by an Iraqi president. President Rashid was accompanied by Iraq's First Lady, Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, and several Iraqi Ministers, along with senior officials of the Presidency of the Republic.

On Monday, June 12, 2023, an official welcome ceremony was held in Rome for the Iraqi President and Iraq's First Lady, Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, by Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

While in Rome, President Rashid visited Rome's Unknown Soldier Memorial and laid a wreath. Guido Crosetto, Italy's Defense Minister, greeted him.  

He also visited Rome's municipal headquarters and met with Rome's Mayor, Robert Gualtieri. In addition, he met with the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Lorenzo Fontana, at the Palazzo di Montecitorio in Rome.

During his discussions, Iraqi President Rashid stressed the importance of strengthening Iraqi-Italian relations and expanding cooperation, which could be achievable through exchanging visits and experience. Also, coordinating views on shared topics. Furthermore, he expressed optimism that Italian enterprises could play a large part in the reconstruction of Iraq, allowing them to assist with energy, services, water, the environment, and infrastructure.

Moreover, President Rashid also held bilateral talks with Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and both nations explored ways to strengthen friendly relations between Iraq and Italy. In addition, they explored ways to enhance cooperation on a wide range of issues, such as politics, economy, trade, and culture, that would benefit both nations the most.

They also exchanged views concerning recent developments in politics, security, the economy, and the environmental situation in the world. They agreed that joint coordination is essential to maintaining security, peace, and stability in the Middle East. In addition, they discussed several issues connected to sharing experiences in various fields of economics and the environment, most notably water management and dams. 

The Italian President greeted President Rashid and his entourage, saying that; Iraq's reforms are on track. He also stated that Italy is fully committed to supporting Iraq. “Given Iraq's long history of civilisation and archaeology, there is a genuine desire to strengthen our ties with the country."

"Approximately 20 archaeological exploration teams are working in Iraq," he stated.

Following the conference, the Iraqi and Italian delegations began extensive official discussions led by His Excellency President Rashid of Iraq and President Sergio Mattarella of Italy. 

President Rashid and President Mattarella made a joint press conference after the negotiations concluded. "This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries and to broaden the prospects for joint efforts at all levels, including politics, economics, and culture," said Iraq's President.

 

 

PUKMEDIA