Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq, Niccolò Fontana, has praised the Kurdistan Region’s stability, investment climate, and economic progress. He said Italy wants to strengthen economic cooperation and encourage more Italian companies to invest in the region.
Fontana described relations between Italy and the Kurdistan Region as positive and constructive. He said both sides enjoy strong cooperation in economic, cultural, and security fields. He also highlighted the long friendship between the Italian and Kurdish people.
The ambassador said Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region share ancient civilizations and strong family values. He added that the hospitality of the Kurdish people reminded him of Italy. He also praised the Kurdish people for protecting their identity and preserving their culture.
Fontana said economic cooperation offers the greatest opportunity for future growth. He noted that nearly 40 Italian companies already operate in the Kurdistan Region. They work in construction, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy.
He said Italy hopes more businesses will invest in the Kurdistan Region during the coming years. He also praised the first Italy-Kurdistan business forum held in Rome, calling it an important step toward expanding trade and investment.
The ambassador said he has witnessed major development across the Kurdistan Region during the past two years. He pointed to continuous improvements in infrastructure and public services, especially in Erbil.
Fontana also praised the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Runaki electricity project. He described it as an environmentally friendly initiative that will improve public services. He said the project could become a model for other parts of Iraq.
Security cooperation remains another key part of the relationship. Italy has trained thousands of Iraqi Security Forces and Peshmerga members as part of the international coalition against ISIS. Fontana said this partnership continues to grow through mutual trust and respect.
The ambassador described the Kurdistan Region as one of Iraq’s most stable areas. He praised the KRG for maintaining security despite regional tensions. He also welcomed the government’s efforts to keep the region out of recent conflicts.
Italy is also expanding cultural cooperation. Fontana said 11 Italian archaeological missions are currently working across the Kurdistan Region. He added that Italy plans to open the first joint Italian-Kurdish archaeological park near Duhok later this year.
Looking ahead, Fontana reaffirmed Italy’s support for dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad. He said stronger cooperation, greater investment, and continued stability will benefit both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
