French envoy grants KFAS chief highest medal

KUWAIT, May 23 (KUNA) -- French Ambassador to Kuwait Christine Nakhla Tuesday honored Director of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) Adnan Shihab-Eldin with the "Knight of the Legion of Honor," the most prestigious decoration in the country.
Prior to an honoring ceremony, Nakhla said it is the highest medal in the world and is given to well-deserved citizens.
France sought to honor Shihab-Eldin for progress and scientific contributions made by KFAS, he noted.
Meanwhile, Shihab-Eldin said the medal is based on good meanings like freedom, brotherhood, humanity and enlightened thought.
He added he was proud that the last five years had been devoted to education and science.
He referred that he had an opportunity to work with senior officials and share views with them when he served as OPEC secretary general.
"The post helped me contact with French researchers and officials through signing several agreements and programs which contributed to promoting relations between the two countries in the areas of education, culture and scientific research," he said.
Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the 'Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur' (Knight of the Legion of Honor) is the highest award presented to nonآ­French citizens in recognition of military, cultural, scientific, or social contributions. (end) nma.hm