Minister Crosetto in Iraq

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Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, in Iraq to express the support of the Italian Government to the Italian personnel, met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, Mohammed Shia Sudani.

A cordial, productive meeting, during which appreciation was expressed for the excellent bilateral relations with Italy and its significant role in providing a valuable contribution to regional stability and security: "We underscored our willingness to further strengthen cooperation between our countries. We shared our concern on events in Syria, which could rekindle the Daesh terrorist actions, should thousands of terrorists detained in Syrian prisons be freed".

Today's institutional meetings included one with the minister's colleague, Thabet Mohammad Al-Abbasi: "We have renewed Italy's commitment to provide maximum support, and I commended the Iraqi Armed Forces for their professionalism and the competences acquired", the Minister said. He then continued: "Italy and Iraq share a relation based on reciprocal esteem and friendship. I reiterated the will to strengthen cooperation between our countries, within both International and NATO missions and in our bilateral relations, especially in the current complex geopolitical context, marked by the crises in  Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.

Stability is a fundamental principle and common objective. It is indispensable to prevent the return of Daesh after the events in Syria, becoming a risk for Iraq and the entire region, with consequences that may reverberate also in Italy. The International Community must maintain its firm commitment to prevent the "forces of evil" from reemerging and becoming a threat to global security through terrorism".

The Minister also met with Commander NATO Mission-Iraq. Lt. Gen. Lucas Schreurs. An opportunity to confirm Iraq's central role for regional stability, reiterate the importance of the role of the Alliance and receive appreciation for Italy's contribution.

The Minister had a full agenda in Baghdad. He met with the Italian contingent at Union 3 Base, where he expressed his gratitude and greetings for the next festivities.

During his visit Crosetto also had talks with Gen. Kevin Leahy, Commander Combined Joint Task Force -Operation Inherent Resolve, the International anti-Daesh coalition. The discussion included Italy's contribution to the.

Mission, the importance of  International cohesion in the fight against terrorism and the implications of the syrian crisis, which makes work done in the region even more crucial.

Crosetto also met with the personnel of the Italian Embassy in Baghdad, thanking them for their commitment in strengthening the relationship between Italy and Iraq, despite the difficult operational situation. He underscored that work done in the field is essential to building security and stability, with an impact at the local as well as European level. and the well-being of future generations.

A significant recognition underscoring the importance of Italian presence in International missions and our commitment to global peace and security.

IL MINISTRO