As part of a broad institutional mission in the Middle East, Kamel Ghribi — President of Italy’s San Donato Hospital Group (GSD) and Chairman of GKSD Investment Holding — has advanced key bilateral relations in healthcare, economic diplomacy, and strategic cooperation. These efforts are contributing meaningfully to the reconstruction and development of the region.
A major milestone in this mission was marked with the laying of the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the former Turkish Restaurant site in Baghdad’s iconic Tahrir Square. The site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art hospital facility that meets the highest international standards and will be operated by a joint team of Italian and Iraqi medical professionals.
GKSD and San Donato Hospital Group, in partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Health, are already managing two public hospitals in Najaf and Basra. The Baghdad project follows two years of collaboration between GKSD and the Iraqi government.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by prominent Iraqi and international officials, including Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, Minister of Health Dr. Saleh Al-Hasnawi, Deputy President of the Italian Senate Senator Licia Ronzulli, EU Special Representative to the Gulf Luigi Di Maio, and Mayor of Baghdad Ammar Mousa Kazem.
At the conclusion of his visit to Iraq, Ghribi reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of GKSD and GSD to expand their presence in the country and continue their productive cooperation with the Iraqi government.
“I am truly honored to contribute to the enhancement of Iraq’s healthcare system by bringing our skills, experience, and passion for patient care to the remarkable Iraqi people,” Ghribi said.
Ghribi also paid an official visit to Syria, where he met with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara and Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani. The meeting was held in a warm and constructive atmosphere, reflecting a shared vision for regional stability and post-crisis reconstruction.
Ghribi reiterated GKSD’s full commitment to supporting Syria’s return to vitality through medical and strategic assistance, including the transfer of knowledge, advanced technologies, and healthcare excellence models to help rebuild the country’s health infrastructure.
