By Mariam Al-Zanki
PARIS, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- French Government awarded late Friday Assistant Chairman of Kuwait National Guards Lt. Gen Eng. Hashim Al-Refai with The National Order of The Legion of Honor for his contributions in military field and relations between the two countries.
France also awarded the Medal of Honor to Lieut. Col. Anwar Al-Rashidi in recognition of his contributions to the military field.
These most famous global awards given as a reward from the President of the Republic of France to the most deserving people in various fields.
Al-Rifai said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that he was honored to have such merit from the French President Emmanuel Macaron, stressing "this honor is the result of the continuous work and efforts of all officials in the military fields.
He praised the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in this regards and deep military relations between Kuwait and France, as well as the keenness to strengthen and develop bilateral ties especially in the field of military education and training.
Al-Rifai dedicated this award to His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National Guard Chairman Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and all Kuwaiti citizens.
For his part, Al-Rashidi said in a similar statement to KUNA that it is an honor to win this medal which reflects France's appreciation for the role of Kuwait in the military field, it is a pride and a constant motivation for excellence and creativity.
On other side, Kuwait's ambassador to Paris Sami AL-Sulaiman praised the level of bilateral relations, coordination and military cooperation between the two countries, which he said extends for half a century and contributed to the qualitative development of the military forces in both countries.
Director-General of the French Gendarmerie General Richard Lisuri praised the deep bilateral relations linking France and Kuwait in all areas, especially on the security and military levels.
He praised the efforts exerted by Al-Rifai and Al-Rashidi in enhancing cooperation and exchange of experiences and coordination between the two sides in all matters of common concern.
He expressed hope that cooperation will be strengthened for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.
The medal, created by Emperor Napoleon I, is awarded on behalf of the Head of State to reward the most deserving citizens in all sectors. (end) mjz.nbs.nhq