Kurdish Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani has received Italy’s highest state decoration, the "Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy." The Italian President bestowed the prestigious honor as a symbol of strategic alliance and absolute trust. Tommaso Sansone, the Italian Consul General in Erbil, announced the decoration during an official ceremony, praising Barzani’s critical role in strengthening multilateral relations between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region.
Significance of the top state decoration
The President of Italy confers this exclusive honor based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the approval of the Council of the Order. The Italian state reserves the distinction for outstanding foreign dignitaries who have significantly advanced international cooperation and friendship. During the ceremony, Consul General Sansone highlighted Barzani’s long-standing diplomatic efforts throughout his tenures as both Prime Minister and President, noting his close partnership with the Italian Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil.
Opening economic channels and diplomatic expansion
Following the fall of the Ba'ath regime, Italian companies successfully entered the Iraqi and Kurdish markets, with Barzani actively facilitating their commercial operations. Between 2007 and 2010, the Kurdish leader provided key institutional backing for the "Italy Expo" trade fairs, which served to accelerate regional economic growth.
Italy's diplomatic presence in Erbil expanded progressively under Barzani's patronage. The Italian Embassy Office initially commenced operations in Erbil in 2011, before elevating its status to a Consulate in 2016. Ultimately, in 2024, the diplomatic mission officially transitioned into a full Consulate General.
Security for military and archaeological missions
Barzani consistently authorized targeted directives to streamline cooperation between regional institutions and Italian detachments. Under these initiatives, Kurdish authorities provided vital logistical and operational support to Italian military personnel stationed in the region. Furthermore, local security services ensured full protection for 12 Italian archaeological teams, maintaining a safe environment for ongoing scientific research.
