Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq Meets Italian Minister of Defense in Rome to Discuss Enhancing Military and Security Cooperation

On Friday, 19 December 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein, met the Italian Minister of Defense, H.E. Mr. Guido Crosetto, at the headquarters of the Italian Ministry of Defense, as part of a series of official meetings held by H.E. the Minister during his visit to the Italian capital, Rome.

During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the depth of Iraqi–Italian relations, particularly in the fields of military and security cooperation and counterterrorism, reflecting the level of partnership between the two countries.

For his part, H.E. the Italian Minister of Defense highlighted Iraq’s pivotal importance, stressing that it represents a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East, and that supporting Iraq and its security forces constitutes a priority for Italy.

The two sides also discussed avenues to further develop cooperation in the military and defense sectors, and agreed to work jointly to overcome obstacles hindering this cooperation, in a manner that enhances bilateral partnership.

H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein invited H.E. the Italian minister to visit Iraq to continue direct dialogue and discuss mechanisms to overcome existing challenges, in a way that serves the mutual interests of both countries.

In this context, H.E. the Italian Minister of Defense expressed his country’s pride in having contributed to the training of approximately 60,000 Iraqi forces from various formations through specialized training programs and courses, while H.E. Mr. Fuad Hussein conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to Italy for this continued support.

The meeting also addressed the latest regional developments, with both sides discussing the Syrian file and emphasizing the importance of supporting Syria’s stability and the need for Syria to play a positive role in enhancing security and stability in the region. They stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination among all parties and components of the Syrian people to achieve stability and combat terrorism.

Regarding issues related to Iran, both sides underscored the importance of working together to reduce regional escalation, affirming that any new tension would have negative repercussions for all countries in the region without exception.