Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received the Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy, expressing gratitude to the Italian leadership and people, and stressing that the country has always been “a reliable partner and friend.”

During an official ceremony on Wednesday, Italian Ambassador to Iraq Niccolo Fontana officially conferred the highest diplomatic honor upon President Barzani on Wednesday. 

The event was attended by several Kurdish and Italian officials, including Chaldean Patriarch Mar Paulos III Nona, Consul General Tommaso Sansone, and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani.

Barzani Thanks Italy for Award, Hails Historic Ties 

Delivering remarks upon receiving the honor, Barzani noted, “I am pleased and deeply honored to receive this medal.”

“From the bottom of my heart, I extend my profound gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency President Sergio Mattarella, as well as the government and the people of Italy, for this high distinction,” he added.

Barzani emphasized that the recognition is a tribute to “the historic and long-standing ties” between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, adding that it is also a sign of acknowledgment for all those who have worked with dedication over the past years to strengthen these relations.

“Italy has always been a reliable partner and friend to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and remains so,” he said, highlighting that the Kurdistan Region “highly values Italy's political stances and diplomatic support.”

Italian Ambassador Praises Barzani’s  Leadership

Ambassador Fontana said that Nechirvan Barzani “demonstrated unconditional support for the promotion of political relations with Rome and for the Italian presence in Iraq and Kurdistan.”

Fontana underlined that the Kurdistan Region president has consistently supported the operations of the Italian military contingent stationed in the Region, while advancing bilateral economic, religious, and cultural ties.

The ambassador further said the honor was conferred in the hope that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region may continue to rely on his "wise leadership."