Cyprus’ former Foreign Minister awarded with highest honour of French Republic

Former Foreign Minister Giorgos Lillikas, was awarded with the highest honour of the French Republic on Wednesday.

In a reception held at the residence of the French Ambassador, Lillikas was awarded the title of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur.

“It is a great honour, I’m grateful and it means a lot to me because, among other things, France allowed me to study there for free at a time when my parents could not afford to”, Lillikas told CNA.

The former Foreign Minister was honoured for his contribution to the deepening of Franco-Cypriot relations, the establishment of the French-Cypriot school and the inclusion of Cyprus in the International Organisation of Francophonie.

In a tweet, the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Salina Grenet-Catalano, said she was “delighted” to award Lillikas the Legion d’Honneur insignia in recognition of his commitment to the partnership between the two countries and his dedication to the promotion of francophonie in Cyprus.

I was delighted to award yesterday former minister and MP @yiorgoslillikas the Legion d’Honneur insignia in recognition of his commitment to 🇫🇷🇨🇾 partnership and his dedication to the promotion of francophonie in #Cyprus. pic.twitter.com/ey2zjYWBcC

— Salina Grenet-Catalano (@SalinaGrenet) January 12, 2023