Second and final day of Defence Minister Guido Crosetto's official visit in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.

At the end of the two-day trip, the Minister - accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, and the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, Maurizio Greganti – stopped at Erbil, where he met the highest local authorities and the Italian Contingent. "Kurdistan is an example of how stability is a goal we can attain", Minister Crosetto said while meeting with Kurdistan Autonomous Region President Nechirvan Barzani.

"Efforts must be made to put fires out for greater international stability", he added.

The minister remarked how Italy will continue its military engagement as well as cooperation in the fields of economy, industry and energy.

Yesterday, upon his arrival in Erbil, Minister Crosetto held bilateral talks with the Minister of Interior, Rebar Ahmed Khalid.

Later - at Camp Singara Base - he greeted the personnel of the Italian Contingent.

Welcomed by the Base Commander, Col. Stefano Salvadori, the Minister thanked the women and men deployed on mission Prima Parthica for their commitment in the Region. "I am proud to thank you on behalf of Italy for your contribution to the International Coalition supporting Iraq against terrorism and possible resurgence of Daesh".

This morning, Minister Crosetto met with the President Emeritus of the Kurdistan Autonomous Region, Masoud Barzani. The excellent relations and strong ties existing between Italy and Iraqi Kurdistan set the framework for this courtesy visit, in fact, an occasion to discuss cooperation in the economic and energy fields and development opportunities in the area.

Later, Mr Crosetto held talks with the Prime Minister of the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan, Masrour Barzani, who thanked Italy for training the Kurdish Security Forces and taking care of security of the area. Improving the economic conditions in the region could counter the persistence of the Daesh terrorist threat. Hence the idea of creating a forum dedicated to trade and industry and, more generally, to strengthening exchanges between Italy and Iraqi Kurdistan.

"Security must be a prerequisite for improving economic conditions", said Minister Crosetto, who added "initiatives such as forums and cooperation agreements are an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and stability in the Middle East".