"Thank you for your valuable work for the stability of Iraq. it is an honour for our country but also a great responsibility", Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said to the Italian personnel deployed for the NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI).

Welcomed by the NMI Commander, Lt.Gen. Giovanni Maria Iannucci, the Minister extended his greetings and Italy's gratitude to all the personnel present for their important role in the stability of Iraq.

Before going to the headquarters of the NMI, the Minister visited the Italian Embassy in Baghdad, where he paid homage to the fallen soldiers of the 12 November 2003 attack. "Defence is a big family and the memory of its Fallen perpetuates their heroism and sense of duty".

Later, the Minister met the Italian Ambassador in Baghdad, Maurizio Greganti, and all the embassy staff, and expressed his appreciation for the important work carried out in the country.

This morning, the Minister was engaged in institutional meetings that began with a long and friendly conversation with the President of the Republic of Iraq, Abdul Latif Rashid. The Minister discussed the common desire to intensify bilateral relations: "Italy and Iraq have historical relations based on great cooperation. We hope that these ties can be further intensified through new forms of cooperation".

In Baghdad, he also met the Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. The latter expressed his sincere appreciation for Italy's contribution to the NATO Training Mission - Iraq and for our country's support to the Anti-Daesh Coalition, as well as to the security and infrastructure sectors.

"Iraq", Minister Crosetto added, "is crucial for regional stability".

Accompanying Minister Crosetto during the meetings was Iraqi Defence Minister Thabet Muhammad Saeed Al-Abbasi, with whom Minister Crosetto had a meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Armed Forces of Italy and Iraq, the fight against terrorism and cooperation in the economic and commercial spheres.