High-level meetings in Rome and NATO facilities signal a new phase in defense relations.
A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga has held strategic talks with senior commanders of the Italian Army and NATO forces, marking a new stage in military cooperation and international defense coordination.
The delegation, led by Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Issa Ozeir and accompanied by Secretary General Lieutenant General Bakhtiar Mohammed Siddiq, Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration and Logistics Major General Hoshmand Haider, and several senior directors, visited Rome for a series of official meetings focused on strengthening bilateral military relations.
The delegation was received by General Luciano Portolano, Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, where both sides discussed expanding coordination, training programs, and long-term cooperation frameworks between Italian forces and the Peshmerga.
A key focus of the talks was the continued presence of Italian military advisors in the Kurdistan Region and the ongoing training and advisory programs designed to enhance the operational capacity of Peshmerga forces in response to evolving security challenges.
According to discussions reported by Kurdish Globe, Peshmerga officials expressed full readiness to deepen cooperation and continue working closely with Italian military advisors. They emphasized that this partnership plays a crucial role in strengthening institutional development and building a modern defense system aligned with international standards.
The delegation also visited the Italian Joint Operations Command, where they were received by General Iannucci. During the visit, officials reviewed coordination mechanisms, operational planning systems, and modern digital intelligence management tools used in military decision-making.
The Italian side reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its current role in the Kurdistan Region and continuing its advisory and training missions without change.
To gain further insight into NATO’s operational structure, the delegation later traveled to Florence, where they visited the NATO Southern European Task Force headquarters. There, they were briefed on multinational security operations and the role of allied forces in maintaining regional stability in Southern Europe.
Peshmerga officials expressed appreciation for the reception and emphasized their commitment to expanding cooperation with NATO structures and allied forces in the future.
This visit highlights the Kurdistan Region’s growing military diplomacy efforts and its ongoing integration into international security frameworks. It also reflects a broader strategy to enhance defense capabilities through partnerships with key global military actors such as Italy and NATO.
By: Frsat Said Shkur