Italy's ambassador says 'culture can be the new oil' for Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Italy’s ambassador to Iraq called on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to use their history and heritage as a resource, adding that Rome would help in achieving this.

“Culture, and especially archaeology, could be a pillar of the relationship between Italy and Iraq,” Maurizio Greganti told Rudaw’s Bestoon Othman on Wednesday, adding that the country’s “heritage can be a resource.” 

“I am convinced that culture can be the new oil for this country," he said, adding that the international community is hoping for a solution to be found soon for the current political stalemate and the inability to form a new government. "We are ready to help... but this is in the hands of the Iraqi people and government," Greganti said, discussing the political uncertainty in the country. 

Greganti also emphasized Italy’s commitment to continuing to support stability and security in Iraq, stating that “this country [Iraq] is key for stability in the Middle East.” He congratulated the role Iraq has played in mediating talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran. "A stable Iraq is a boom to the region."

Earlier this month, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni met with Kurdish officials during a visit to Erbil, which the ambassador said is a “confirmation” of the importance of this relation to Italy. He stated that Sereni has signed a deal with UNESCO to support the inclusion of children and schools, as well as one with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). 

Perhaps most significantly, Italy assumed command of the NATO mission to Iraq in May, a following a ceremony held in Baghdad to mark the change of command from Denmark. Greganti said that the Italian command of NATO is a testament to Italy’s commitment to Iraq, adding that they have been in the country since 2003 to support Iraqi sovereignty and stability. 

"There could not be a more eloquent signal of the commitment of Italy to this country, to its stability... we will help Iraq's security forces in the fight against terrorism... giving every possible advice," he said.

The NATO mission to Iraq was launched in Brussels in 2018, following a request from the Iraqi government. It is a non-combat and advisory mission assisting Iraq in fighting terrorism and preventing an Islamic State (ISIS) resurgence. 

Commenting on the security gap between Peshmerga forces and Iraqi security forces in and around Kirkuk, Makhmour, Nineveh, and Shingal, and the establishment of joint brigades in these areas announced last year, Greganti expressed his hope that co-operation would continue. "We will do everything we can to help Baghdad and Erbil in fighting terrorism," he said, adding that this co-operation is "very good," and much improved.

On Sunday evening, Iraq's political future was thrown into further uncertainty, as the speaker of the Iraqi parliament approved the resignation papers submitted by the members of the Sadrist Movement, following a letter from their leader Muqtada al-Sadr urging MPs of his bloc to resign from parliament.