On Wednesday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy. 

The ceremony was attended by Italy’s Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, representatives of the Kurdistan Region, several diplomatic missions, and guests. Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq Niccolò Fontana presented the medal to President Nechirvan Barzani.

“This honor is awarded in recognition of President Nechirvan Barzani’s distinguished and high-level political position and his leading role in strengthening relations, as well as in appreciation of his continuous efforts in support of dialogue and peace,” Ambassador Fontana said. 

“It also recognizes his support for the arrival of Italian companies, the opening and upgrading of the Italian Consulate General in Erbil, and his provision of full cooperation and facilitation for Italian military forces and archaeological teams working in the Kurdistan Region.”

“My sincere gratitude goes to Italian President Sergio Mattarella for this distinguished honor and to the people of Italy for their enduring friendship,” President Nechirvan Barzani posted on X.

“This recognition reflects the strong and growing partnership between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, founded on mutual understanding, shared values, and close cooperation.”

Moreover, President Nechirvan Barzani underlined that he remains “committed to further strengthening the ties between our peoples for the benefit of peace, stability, and prosperity.”

The award was originally established in 1947 as the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity by the first President of the Italian Republic, Enrico De Nicola. It was renamed in 2011.

Initially, it was intended for individuals who had contributed to the reconstruction of Italy after World War II. Later, the award acquired a broader significance and became primarily associated with international cooperation.

“Italy has always been a reliable partner to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” President Nechirvan Barzani said in his remarks after accepting the honor. “We deeply value its role in supporting the Peshmerga and Iraqi forces in defeating terrorism and bringing stability.”