Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday received the new Ambassador of Italy to Iraq Mr. Bruno Antonio Pasquino accompanied by Consul-General of Italy to the Kurdistan Region Ms. Serena Muroni.

Ambassador Pasquino expressed pleasure of his visit and hope that relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy would continue and develop further for which he confirmed his readiness to assist and support. He also expressed his gratitude for the Peshmerga and the people of the Kurdistan Region, noting that the Region is moving forward despite facing strong challenges.

Prime Minister Barzani congratulated Ambassador Pasquino on his new position, reiterating his support and wishing him success. He also commended the former Italian ambassador to Iraq and the consul-general to the Kurdistan Region.

Prime Minister Barzani said he highly valued the bilateral relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy and hoped they will be further strengthened especially in the economic field. He hoped the security situation would improve so that Italian investors would invest in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

Issues pertinent to the Kurdistan Region, and Iraq were also discussed, including relations between Erbil and Baghdad.