The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Hussein, discussed with the Italian Ambassador to Baghdad, Maurizio Cricanti, ways to develop bilateral relations between Iraq and Italy.

The Minister affirmed, according to a statement by the Ministry, Iraq's keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation with all countries in a way that serves common interests.

For his part, the Italian Ambassador affirmed his country's keenness to cooperate with Iraq at all levels, and touched on several issues, the most important of which are; the visit of the President of the Republic, Dr. Abd al-Latif Rashid and his accompanying delegation to Italy and the Vatican in mid-June, and Italy's welcome to this important visit.

He also talked about the Iraqi-Italian joint work team to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries, indicating the Italian government's readiness to find settlement offers that satisfy both sides.

The Italian Ambassador touched on the Mediterranean Dialogues Conference that is held annually in Italy, and he hoped for Iraq's participation in it because of its importance to all countries of the Mediterranean region.

The two sides discussed regional and international issues of common interest, and the impact of conflicts on the countries of the region.

The Minister indicated Iraq's firm position in finding peaceful solutions to these conflicts and ending them, and that Iraq now plays a pivotal role in resolving regional conflicts.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency