Road to Baghdad. On Tuesday, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto made his way to the Iraqi capital for an official visit. There he met with President Abdul Latif Rashid, with whom he had a “long and cordial conversation focused on the common desire to intensify bilateral relations,” according to an official note.
- The Italian minister also met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who expressed appreciation for Italy’s contribution to the NATO Training Mission Iraq and for its support within the anti-Daesh Coalition, as well as in the security and infrastructure sector.
- Rome was tasked to lead the Training Mission when United States forces withdrew from the country in 2021 and assumed command in May 2022.
Security and beyond. Mr Crosetto was accompanied by his counterpart Thabet Muhammad Al-Abbasi, with whom he discussed strengthening collaboration between the Armed Forces of Italy and Iraq, fighting terrorism and cooperation in the economic and commercial sphere.
- “Italy and Iraq are linked by historical relations based on great cooperation. The hope is that these ties can be further intensified through new forms of cooperation,” said the Italian minister, noting that Baghdad “is crucial for regional stability.”
Honouring Italy’s personnel on the ground. Finally, Mr Crosetto travelled to the Italian Embassy in Baghdad to pay respects at the Monument to the Fallen from the November 12, 2003 bombing. He then greeted the Italian Ambassador Maurizio Greganti and all the personnel.
