(Photo: Al-Sudani's media office)
Monitor
PM Al-Sudani, Italian ambassador discuss strengthening bilateral ties
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani met Monday with Italian Ambassador Niccolò Fontana to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and advancing joint cooperation, according to a statement from Al-Sudani’s media office.
During the meeting, Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to implementing agreements reached with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during her 2022 visit, stressing the importance of Italian companies’ participation in Iraq. He also noted preparations for his upcoming visit to Rome.
Niccolò Fontana has served as Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq since November 2024, 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 Al-Sudani’s media office:
Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met today, Monday, with the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Niccolò Fontana, where they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance joint cooperation in a manner that serves the interests of both friendly nations.
The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the agreements reached during his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, during her official visit to Iraq at the end of 2022. He also underscored Iraq’s continued efforts to deepen ties with Italy, stressing the importance of Italian companies’ participation in the comprehensive development currently underway in Iraq, as well as preparations for his forthcoming visit to Rome.
For his part, the Italian Ambassador conveyed an invitation for Prime Minister Al-Sudani to visit Italy, with the aim of signing strategic bilateral agreements covering economic, security, military, and cultural fields, as well as resolving longstanding issues between the two countries dating back to the 1980s. He emphasized that cooperation between Iraq and Italy is essential and pivotal to reinforcing stability in the region and beyond.
