Italy will head NATO mission in Iraq, next year

Security

15-12-2021, 20:08

INA - BAGHDAD

Foreign Minister Fouad Hussein affirmed on Wednesday, his support for strengthening relations between Baghdad and Rome, while the new Italian ambassador, Maurizio Cricante, indicated that his country will head the NATO mission in Iraq in May 2022.

Hussein received a copy of the credentials of Maurizio Cricante, the new Italian ambassador to Iraq on Wednesday, as they discussed relations between Iraq and Italy, and ways of upgrading it to what meets the aspirations of both peoples, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

"Hussein affirmed his support for the new ambassador's efforts to strengthen relations between Baghdad and Rome, and develop bilateral cooperation to achieve common interests," included the statement.

They so discussed the issue of the nuclear agreement between Iran and international parties in Vienna, and that any progress in this file would affect positively on the regional situation and on Iraq as well.

"The minister expressed the readiness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide all facilities to the diplomatic mission,” the statement added.

For his part, the Italian ambassador affirmed "his government's support for Iraq," praising the recent electoral process that took place on 10th, Oct., 2021.

He expressed his hope that "an elected government that represents the aspirations of the Iraqi people will be formed," praising "Iraq's role in establishing security and stability in the Middle East and bringing adversaries together, and this role crystallized in holding Baghdad Conference for Cooperation and Partnership, in addition to Iraq's role as well in fighting terrorism and facing the security challenges it poses by the remnants of Daesh terrorist organization,”

He stressed that "Italy will head the NATO mission in Iraq in May 2022,"