Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Italy has awarded Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris the title of Grand Officer of the Order of the Star of Italy, one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions, in recognition of his role in advancing relations between Egypt and Italy.
The decoration is set to be formally presented during an official ceremony in Cairo, hosted by Agostino Palese at his residence.
The honor reflects Sawiris’ longstanding contributions to fostering cooperation between the two nations across economic, industrial, and social sectors. His efforts have been credited with strengthening cross-border investment and promoting deeper engagement between business communities in both countries.
In remarks ahead of the ceremony, Sawiris described the award as a significant personal milestone, emphasizing the historical partnership between Cairo and Rome. He noted that there remains considerable potential to expand collaboration, particularly in areas such as investment, cultural exchange, and development initiatives.
Palese highlighted Sawiris’ influence in reinforcing bilateral ties, pointing to his investments in Italy’s telecommunications and digital industries, as well as his role in supporting institutional cooperation between the two sides.
This recognition adds to a series of international honors received by Sawiris over the years. He was previously awarded Italy’s Star of Italian Solidarity in 2011 for his contributions to the Italian economy. His accolades also include France’s Légion d’Honneur, where he advanced to the rank of Commander, and Pakistan’s Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam, granted for his impact on telecommunications and development.
In addition, Sawiris received an honorary doctorate in law from Handong Global University in South Korea in 2021, further reflecting his global recognition in business and international cooperation.
