Italian ambassador extends invitation for PM Al-Sudani to visit Rome

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met with Italy’s new ambassador to Iraq, Niccolò Fontana, on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, according to a statement from Al-Sudani’s media office.

The discussions covered “the enhancement of cooperation across various fields and sectors,” the statement said. The meeting also addressed regional issues, including the situation in Syria and efforts to maintain ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon. Fontana extended an invitation for Al-Sudani to visit Rome and emphasized the importance of signing a “strategic agreement between the two countries.”

Niccolò Fontana has served as Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq since November, following his role as deputy director general for Communication at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His diplomatic career includes postings at Italy’s Permanent Mission to the UN, embassies in Moscow, Washington, and Santiago.

Statement from PM Al-Sudani’s media office:

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Sunday, the new Ambassador of Italy to Iraq, Mr. Niccolò Fontana. The Prime Minister congratulated him on assuming his new duties and wished him success in his mission.

During the meeting, discussions covered bilateral relations between Iraq and Italy and the enhancement of cooperation across various fields and sectors. The meeting also addressed regional developments, particularly the situation in Syria and efforts to maintain ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Italian Ambassador reiterated his country’s invitation for Prime Minister Al-Sudani to visit Italy and emphasized the importance of working toward signing a strategic agreement between the two countries, similar to the agreements Iraq has signed with France and the United Kingdom.