Baghdad Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi met today, Friday, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi in the Italian capital, Rome.

Al-Kadhimi expressed his appreciation for the Italian role within the International Coalition to fight ISIS terrorist gangs and the support provided to the Iraqi forces in this aspect, and indicated that Iraq is looking forward to a greater role for Italy during the next stage.

He explained that Iraq is willing to expand military cooperation with Italy, including the aspect of training and work development in the field of combating organized crime and prosecuting money smuggling and other prohibited activities, and to benefit from its experience in this field.

The Prime Minister said that Iraq welcomes a greater role for Italian companies and investments in Iraq, especially in the field of infrastructure, and the acceleration of the ongoing consultations for the railway project (Basra-Turkey) linking to the port of Faw.

He also welcomed the development of cooperation with the Italian side in the field of dam maintenance, oil and energy, academia, tourism and antiquities, as well as Iraq’s desire to activate direct air transport between Baghdad and Rome.

Al-Kazemi extended an invitation to the Italian Prime Minister to visit Baghdad, and Mario Draghi welcomed the invitation and promised to meet it as soon as possible.

Draghi expressed his happiness with the visit of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi to Rome and their support for Iraq with all it needs in terms of investment, reconstruction, training and other sectors.

He praised the role of the current Iraqi government headed by Al-Kadhimi in restoring Iraq’s international relations and its great efforts to calm the region.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency