The Iraqi Foreign Ministry indicated that Fuad Hussein and his Italian counterpart met in Rome, where bilateral relations between Baghdad and Rome were conferred, and ways to consolidate them within the framework of strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries and work to activate an Iraqi-Italian joint committee in a way that contributes to addressing the interests of both countries were touched upon.
The minister delivered an admiring message presented by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on the occasion of the assumption of his new position, including an invitation to visit Iraq.
The Minister expressed his thanks for Italy’s stance in support of Iraq, especially in confronting the terrorist organization ISIS through its participation in the international coalition and the NATO mission.
The minister stated that Iraq has now become an eye-catching arena for companies and foreign investments in several sectors after accomplishing the final victory over ISIS terrorists, establishing security, and being politically open to its regional and international surroundings, noting the importance of emphasizing the strategy of cooperation between the two friendly countries.
The two ministers also discussed a number of issues of common concern, as well as issues related to international organizations, including the United Nations, and the expansion of cooperation in the field of mutual support to obtain membership in international organizations and councils. The minister also touched on the problem of accounts and funds frozen since the fall of the previous regime in 2003 located in Italian banks, and the need to solve this dilemma.
For his part, the Italian Foreign Minister expressed the condolences of his country’s government over the Ibn Al-Khatib hospital accident, in which a number of citizens were killed, wishing mercy to the victims and a speedy recovery for the wounded.
He affirmed his country’s eagerness to deepen the bond between the two friendly countries and stressed making efforts and communicating with the concerned authorities to solve the problem of frozen funds in Italy, indicating that in the future he will visit Iraq.
