Iraq and Italy Discuss Strengthening Cultural Cooperation

The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Professor Dr. Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, met with the Italian Ambassador to Baghdad, Niccolò Fontana, and his accompanying delegation on Wednesday. The meeting, which focused on strengthening cultural and artistic ties between Iraq and Italy, also saw the participation of the Ministry’s Deputy for Arts Affairs, Professor Qasim Taher Al-Sudani, the Director General of the Kurdish Culture and Publishing House, Awat Hassan Amin, and the Minister’s office director, Omar Ouda Al-Lahibi.

Professor Al-Badrani opened the discussions by highlighting the significance of fostering closer cultural cooperation between the two nations. He proposed the organisation of an Iraqi-Italian Cultural Week, an event aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritages of both Iraq and Italy. This event would showcase not only traditional art forms but also explore the cultural significance of each country’s cuisine, offering the public a chance to taste and experience some of the most renowned dishes from both the Iraqi and Italian culinary traditions.

Ambassador Fontana expressed his appreciation for Iraq’s cultural initiatives, praising the Ministry of Culture’s efforts in the preservation and promotion of the nation’s heritage. He specifically commended projects such as the World Heritage Institute, the Virtual Museum project, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard Iraq’s tourism and archaeological sites, which continue to attract international attention.

In a gesture of goodwill, the Ambassador presented the Minister with a book about a prominent Italian exhibition, which had been inaugurated by Al-Badrani. In return, the Minister gifted Ambassador Fontana a painting depicting one of Baghdad’s historic mosques, symbolising Iraq’s rich architectural heritage.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing a shared commitment to enhancing cultural diplomacy and building long-term cooperation between Iraq and Italy in the fields of culture, tourism, and the arts. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in the cultural relations between the two countries, strengthening Iraq’s role in the global cultural landscape.

Source: Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities