
09/08/2011, Erbil – H.E. Dr. Ali Sindi, KRG Minister of Planning, received Mr. (Simon de Sante), head of the Italian Embassy office in Erbil.
Dr. Sindi congratulated Mr. de Sante for his appointment and wished him success in the Kurdistan Region. He added that the Ministry of Planning is ready to offer any facilitation and support. Then the Minister highlighted the MoP’s tasks and activities in relation to the development process in the Region.
Mr. de Sante said that after a serious of visits by President Barzani, the Kurdistan Regional President, to Italy, the Italian authorities decided to open an Italian General Consulate in Erbil, which will be fully operational in the next coming months. He added that Iraq and Kurdistan Regional have strategic importance to Italy; therefore the Italian government is keen to strengthen cultural, political and economic relations.
Both sides agreed that a vibrant private sector is a prerequisite for any successful economy and decided to work in close cooperation in this area.