In a special ceremony held at the Embassy of the Italian Republic in Baghdad, H.E. the Italian Ambassador, Mr. Niccolò Fontana, conferred upon the Founding Father of the American University of Iraq- Baghdad (AUIB) and Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees, Dr. Saadi Waheeb Saihood, the Order of the Star of Italy in the Rank of Commander, in recognition of Dr. Saihood’s great contributions to furthering especially the economic and cultural relationships between his country, Iraq, and Italy. The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including ambassadors and high-ranking diplomats, prominent political figures, among whom were Ministers of the Iraqi government, and some of the most influential business leaders in the country.
“Today’s ceremony seals the sincere friendship that unites Italy and Iraq, their institutions, and their peoples. Dr. Saihood has been one of the key figures and one of the most steadfast advocates of this deep bond,” said Ambassador Fontana at the ceremony, adding that “the honor bestowed by (Italian) President Mattarella recognizes Dr. Saihood’s business leadership, his commitment to economic and cultural progress, and his constant efforts in favor of youth development and dialogue, built through decades of business engagement at the highest level.”
Dr. Saihood expressed his deep gratitude to His Excellency the President of the Italian Republic, Mr. Sergio Mattarella, and to His Excellency Mr. Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister and Minister of International Cooperation, upon whose recommendation the Order was conferred; also extending his gratitude to H.E. Mr. Fontana and his staff, as well as to the government and people of Italy, considering the conferred Order “not only a token of appreciation of my own self, but also reflecting the depth of the relationships between our two countries and their peoples, bonds that have deep historical and cultural roots.”
