Baghdad-INA
Today, Tuesday, the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, affirmed Iraq's keenness to establish strong relations with Italy and the European Union.
The Media Office of the Presidency of the Republic said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “the President of the Republic, Barham Salih, received at his residence in Sulaymaniyah the Italian Defense Minister Lorenzo Guerrini and his accompanying delegation,” indicating that “the President of the Republic confirmed Iraq’s endeavor to strengthen bilateral relations with Italy in all fields, and work together in the face of the various challenges facing the region and the world, foremost among which is terrorism, strengthening economic and cultural cooperation, and exchanging experiences in this regard.
He added, "President Salih praised the role of the Italian forces, within the International Alliance and NATO, in support of the Iraqi armed forces and their contribution to many humanitarian and service projects," stressing "the importance of strengthening military cooperation between the two friendly countries, especially in the field of equipping and training security forces in various formations and developing their capabilities."
The statement pointed out that President Salih confirmed that "Iraq, with the support of the international coalition and friends, was able to defeat Daesh, but the war against the organization is still continuing, and its sleeper cells pose a threat to Iraq, the region and the world," pointing out that "complacency in pursuing it, And the continuing crises of the region would give extremist groups a chance to catch their breath and launch attacks on cities and safe citizens.
"The government is working to consolidate a capable and sovereign state, restrict weapons to the hands of the state, prevent outlaw actions, and protect diplomatic missions," he stressed, stressing that Iraq refuses to be an arena for settling the accounts of others on its territory. Pointing out that "Iraq is looking forward to the support of the international community, including Italy, in achieving these goals, strengthening its relations on the basis of cooperation and achieving the common interests of peoples and countries, and joining forces in the face of various global challenges," noting that "joint international and regional cooperation would spread the spirit of coexistence." Peace in the region and the world, and blocking the way for terrorist groups that seek to destabilize. "
According to the statement, the Italian minister extended his thanks and appreciation to the President of the Republic, stressing his country's commitment to support Iraq in various fields, especially combating terrorism, and strengthening bilateral economic and cultural cooperation in a way that strengthens the bonds of the relationship between the two peoples and the two countries.