Kurdistan Region President Thanks Italy's President and People

ARK News.. The Italian Republic has awarded Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani its highest civilian honor, the Order of the Star of Italy, as Barzani affirmed that the Kurdistan Region will continue building "balanced relations" with Rome and with European and international capitals.

The award ceremony was held in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, on the evening of Wednesday, July 8, 2026. During the ceremony, Italian Ambassador to Iraq Niccolò Fontana, on behalf of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, presented President Nechirvan Barzani with the Order of the Star of Italy.

Following the presentation of the decoration, President Barzani delivered a speech in which he expressed his gratitude to President Sergio Mattarella and the Italian people for what he described as "this distinguished honor."

The Kurdistan Region president said the award celebrates the long-standing historical ties between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region, while also recognizing the efforts of all those who have worked sincerely over the years to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations.

Barzani stressed that Italy "has always been, and continues to be, a reliable partner and friend of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region," expressing his deep appreciation for Italy's political positions and its continued diplomatic support.

He added: "We are also proud of Italy's important role within the International Coalition in the war against ISIS." He noted that Italy's military support, the training and development of the Peshmerga forces, and its assistance to the Iraqi security forces played a vital role in protecting the Kurdistan Region and Iraq as a whole, defeating terrorism, and safeguarding security and stability in the country.

The Kurdistan Region president also expressed his satisfaction with the continuation of this cooperation, particularly in supporting the reform process, the unification of the Peshmerga forces, and strengthening their capabilities, describing it as "an investment in Iraq's security and the region's stability."

He further praised Italy's significant contribution to protecting the cultural and historical heritage of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq through archaeological missions conducted by Italian universities, which have carried out extensive scientific research and excavations.

Barzani noted that relations with Italy extend beyond politics and security to include the fields of economy, investment, culture, education, and archaeology. He expressed hope for further strengthening this partnership in a way that serves the interests of both sides, enhances institutional cooperation, and creates new opportunities for future generations.

He reaffirmed that the Kurdistan Region will remain a responsible and active partner in promoting security and stability in Iraq and the wider region and will continue to build balanced and strong relations with Rome, as well as with European, international, and regional capitals, based on dialogue, mutual respect, and shared interests.

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