ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Italian Defense Minister Elisabetta Trenta arrived in Erbil on Sunday and met with the prime minister of the Kurdistan Region.
Trenta was received by Interior Minister Karim Sinjari at Erbil International Airport.
Italy is a member of the US-led coalition to defeat ISIS. Several of its ministers have visited the Kurdistan Region in recent years.
The Italian defense minister thanked the KRG, Peshmerga, and the people of the Kurdistan for their contribution in the fight against ISIS, according to a statement from the KRG.
She stressed that her country will continue its military and humanitarian support for the Kurdistan Region and said Italy is interested in developing ties with Erbil across all sectors.
She also thanked the KRG for supporting and coordinating with Italian personnel in the Kurdistan Region and on the Mosul Dam, which is being repaired by an Italian company.
Barzani for his part thanked Italy for arming the Peshmerga during the ISIS war and commended a visit by Italian prime minister during that period.
They also discussed the new government in Baghdad and the outcome of the recent KRG election.
Honored to join @PMBarzani in welcoming Italian Defense Minister to Erbil. pic.twitter.com/xEwa2fMqx1
— Safeen Dizayee (@SafeenDizayee) October 28, 2018
Italy has supported, trained, advised, and assisted Iraqi Security Forces and KRG Peshmerga.
Over the last three to four years, the coalition has trained 15,000 Peshmerga soldiers.
All Peshmerga forces are officially under the command of the prime ministry. KRG PM Nechirvan Barzani has had regular meetings with Italian military officials and diplomats.
Former Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti visited the Kurdistan Region in early May.
Last updated 11.43 p.m.
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