Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani was awarded the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy on July 8, marking the first time such an award has been presented in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. The decoration, Italy’s most prestigious recognition for advancing the country’s international relations, was handed to the Kurdish leader in a ceremony hosted at the Italian Consulate General in Erbil.
The honor was conferred by decree of Italian President Sergio Mattarella, upon the proposal of Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in recognition of Barzani’s exceptional contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between Italy, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region. Italian Ambassador to Iraq Niccolò Fontana presented the award on Mattarella’s behalf, in the presence of the Italian Consul General, representatives from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, diplomatic envoys, and other guests.
In his address, Fontana said the award recognizes Barzani’s distinctive political stance, his pivotal contribution to strengthening relations, his ongoing commitment to dialogue and peace, his support for Italian companies operating in Erbil, the elevation of the Italian Consulate General in Erbil, and the assistance provided to Italian military forces and archaeological teams working in the Kurdistan Region. Speaking to Rudaw, the ambassador described Barzani as “a very good friend and a trusted ally of Italy,” praising him as a “trusted mediator” in complex dossiers.
Why the Award Matters: Diplomacy, Security, and Kurdish Visibility in Europe
The significance of the honor extends well beyond ceremony. It is a state honor bestowed by presidential decree on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to promoting Italy’s international relations and prestige abroad. Originally established in 1947 as the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity to honor contributors to Italy’s post-war reconstruction, the award later shifted toward recognizing international cooperation. Barzani now joins a list of prominent recipients that includes former Argentine president Mauricio Macri, Princess Charlene of Monaco, football manager Carlo Ancelotti, singer Frank Sinatra, and actress Grace Kelly.
For Kurds, the moment carries particular weight. Soran Yasin, head of the Kurdish Institute in Rome, called the decoration “a historical achievement for the Kurdish people” that “will further raise the Kurdistan Region’s profile on the global stage,” noting that Barzani had been considered for the award after the strong coordination that developed during the war against ISIS, which posed a major threat to European countries including Italy. He added that such diplomatic recognition ensures the Kurdish issue will no longer be marginalized in Rome’s decision-making centers.
Presidency spokesperson Dilshad Shahab stated that the award also honors Barzani’s role in “promoting coexistence, supporting the active role of women, and pursuing the sound policies” he has followed throughout his political career.
A Partnership Rooted in the ISIS War, Now Expanding Beyond Security
In his acceptance speech, Barzani framed the medal as a tribute to a broader relationship rather than a personal accolade. He said Italy has consistently proven a dependable partner to both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and took pride in Rome’s significant role within the international coalition against ISIS, crediting Italian military support and the training of Peshmerga forces with helping protect the Region and defeat terrorism. He welcomed continuing cooperation on the reform process and the unification of the Peshmerga forces, calling the partnership “a valuable investment” in Iraq’s security and regional stability.
The relationship, he stressed, now reaches far beyond defense. Barzani said ties between Erbil and Rome have expanded into economic, investment, educational, and cultural fields, commending Italian universities and archaeological missions for preserving historical sites across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. He pointed to Italy’s acquisition of land and construction of a new Consulate General building as evidence of Rome’s long-term commitment. Indeed, he declared that relations between the Kurdistan Region and Italy are entering a more strategic phase.
Barzani closed by pledging that the Kurdistan Region, as a vital component of Iraq, will remain a peaceful homeland for all religious and ethnic groups and a responsible partner in strengthening security and stability, while cultivating balanced relations with Rome and all European capitals. Kurdish news outlets has previously documented this trajectory, reporting on Barzani’s meetings with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto in Erbil, where he reaffirmed the Region’s commitment to deepening ties with Italy and thanked Rome for its continued support in the war against terrorism.
For a landlocked region whose leverage often depends on friendships abroad, Italy’s star may shine as one of Erbil’s most valuable diplomatic assets yet.
By Jawad Qadir