On the recommendation of the Italian Embassy in Georgia, renowned Georgian opera singer Iano Alibegashvili has been awarded the title of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy (Cavaliere dell’Ordine della “Stella d’Italia”), the Ministry of Culture reports.

According to the ministry, the honour was conferred by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in recognition of Alibegashvili’s significant contribution to promoting Italian opera in Georgia and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.

The order was formally presented to Alibegashvili by Italian Ambassador to Georgia Massimiliano D’Antuono.

Additionally, the ministry noted that, at the initiative of Minister of Culture Tinatin Rukhadze and upon the nominations of the Prime Minister of Georgia and the Speaker of Parliament, President Mikheil Kavelashvili presented Alibegashvili with the State Order of Honour — Georgia’s highest civilian distinction — in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the arts.