I have just returned from a trip to Iraq where I had the pleasure of meeting the Prime Minister, The Hon. Muhammad Shiaa Al Sudani, the Minister of Industry Khalid Battal Al-Najim and the Mayor of Baghdad Ammar Musa Kadhim.
These incredibly important and significant meetings play a fundamental role in strengthening ties between Italy and Iraq, in addition to supporting a partnership of exceptional value.
During this trip, I signed a preliminary agreement with Governor Assad Al Eidani of Basra, a symbol of commitment and determination to pursue projects that will produce tangible benefits for Iraq and its people, while consolidating bilateral relations between Rome and Baghdad. 
It is an agreement that provides for the training of Iraqi doctors, an exchange and visiting doctors programme, and the care of patients at San Donato Group hospitals.  
It is a milestone of great importance for the sustainable development of the country and its healthcare system.
Indeed, it is one of the most significant agreements under the framework of the agreement made between SACE and GKSD-Gruppo San Donato concerning partnership projects in infrastructure, renewable energy and healthcare in Iraq.
I am already planning a follow-up trip to define the details of further cooperation projects