Advanced Governmental Steps to Sign Cooperation Agreement with Italian Counterpart Against Corruption

Within the framework of ongoing efforts to enhance international cooperation and exchange regulatory expertise, the Head of the Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lamfi, announced that intensive efforts are underway to conclude an official memorandum of understanding with the Italian anti-corruption body. This announcement came during his reception of the Italian Ambassador to Baghdad, Niccolo Fontana, where they discussed ways to unify visions and efforts aimed at bolstering institutions and mitigating risks associated with financial crimes, based on the standards and principles stipulated in the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which the country joined under legislation No. (35 of 2007). Emphasis was placed on the importance of activating aspects related to prevention, criminalization, law enforcement, mutual legal assistance, and intensifying international coordination to recover smuggled assets and fugitives. In the same context, the Head of the Commission expressed his institution's aspirations to strengthen ties with counterpart organizations in Rome and open direct communication channels with the financial police agency to benefit from their deep field and institutional expertise in this field. He also invited Italian companies and the business community to expand their investments and enter the local market actively, coinciding with intensive measures to create a secure and stable investment environment protected from all forms of illegal practices, extortion, and bribery. On his part, the Italian Ambassador reviewed the dimensions and negative repercussions of the severe financial and economic losses faced by the global economy and various vital sectors due to the scourge of corruption, announcing at the end of the meeting the readiness of regulatory formations in his country to provide all forms of support and enhance partnership frameworks with specialized Iraqi institutions, particularly regarding the development of legal systems and legislation, providing legal support to track down funds and wanted individuals, alongside organizing programs for expertise exchange, staff training, and upgrading their professional capabilities.