President Barzani Meets with Italian Defense Minister

During his visit to Italy on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Rome, President Masoud Barzani met with Italian Defense Minister H.E. Guido Crosetto.

The Defense Minister warmly welcomed President Barzani and praised his role in the struggle for freedom, noting that he has dedicated his life to this cause as a Peshmerga. He described the Kurdistan Region as a model of coexistence and stability and said it is a source of pride. He also affirmed that Italy is a close friend of the Kurdish people and will continue to support the people of Kurdistan.

The meeting also addressed the latest developments in Syria and the situation in Rojava (Western Kurdistan). President Barzani stressed that the Kurdish people in Syria must be protected. In response, the Italian Defense Minister reiterated that the Kurdish people must not be harmed, and that they should be protected and able to live in freedom.