Iraqi Prime Minister holds talks with officials from Italy’s Leonardo at Munich Security Conference

During the Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024 in Germany, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani engaged in discussions with Lorenzo Mariani, the director of Italy’s prominent company, Leonardo.

Al-Sudani emphasized Iraq’s openness to fostering collaboration between Italian enterprises and the private sector within Iraq, with a focus on participating in developmental endeavors.

Leonardo, renowned for its specialization in security, defense, and aerospace, stands as a significant player in the global defense contracting arena, ranking 12th based on 2020 sales figures. The meeting between Al-Sudani and Mariani occurred on the sidelines of the MSC, offering a strategic platform for dialogue and partnership exploration.

Central to the conversation was the recent agreement formulated by a dedicated committee established during the visit of the Italian Prime Minister to Baghdad in December 2022. This accord, along with addressing unresolved concerns of the company within Iraq, aims to facilitate Italian businesses’ entry and operation in the Iraqi market.

The committee, a product of diplomatic efforts, focuses on ironing out impediments hindering Italian companies from effectively functioning in Iraq. Its broader objectives include extending support to development initiatives, participating in infrastructure revitalization projects, and addressing the legal obligations stemming from Italy’s loans to Iraq.

Al-Sudani’s reaffirmation of Iraq’s commitment to fostering partnerships with international entities underscores the nation’s aspiration for economic growth and infrastructural development. The discussions held at the MSC reflect a concerted effort to bolster bilateral ties and unlock opportunities for mutual benefit between Iraq and Italy.

As Iraq continues on its path towards reconstruction and development, engagements such as these serve as pivotal milestones in attracting foreign investment, expertise, and technological advancements necessary for the nation’s progress. The meeting between Al-Sudani and Mariani signifies a step forward in leveraging international partnerships to propel Iraq’s socio-economic advancement.