Erbil, delivery of Italian course certificates and inauguration of the “Italian Corner” at the Catholic University of Erbil

In Erbil, on 23 July, the ceremony for the delivery of certificates of attendance of the first Italian language course held in the Iraqi Kurdistan region took place. The course, promoted by the Consulate General of Italy at the Catholic University of Erbil (CUE), was carried out remotely by a professional teacher from the Dante Alighieri Society and involved 17 students, lasting 48 hours. On this occasion, an "Italian Corner" was also inaugurated within the modern and innovative Vision Library of the same University, now enriched with over 150 volumes, mainly on Italian art, design and culture sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

In addition to Consul Michele Camerota, the event was attended by the Director of the Board of CUE, Bishop Bashar Warda, the President Nazar Shabila, representatives of the Vision Foundation and, connected from Rome, the Deputy Secretary General of the Dante Alighieri Society, Andrea Vincenzoni.

Consul Camerota expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm found in the young students, which confirms the local community's interest in Italy and the great capital of friendliness and attractiveness that Italy can count on. Camerota confirmed that the Consulate intends to promote other similar courses while the drafting of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Catholic University and Dante Alighieri is in progress in order to make the offer structural, autonomous and open to all those who intend to get closer to Italian culture. President Shabila, for his part, said he was flattered by the investment made by the Consulate in this dynamic and inclusive academic reality, which is willingness to become the hub for the promotion of the Italian language in Iraqi Kurdistan.

From Rome, Andrea Vincenzoni emphasized the importance of this first step which brings a piece of Italy, made up of culture and language, to an area of ​​the world where Dante was not present until now, in line with the consolidated cooperation between the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Dante Alighieri Society, opening up new perspectives, challenges and opportunities.