France awarded the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ambassador to France and the Principality of Monaco, Fahad bin Ma'yuf Al-Ruwaili, the National Order of the Legion of Honor, first class, with the rank of Commander, in appreciation of his efforts in strengthening relations between the two friendly countries.

The Director of the North Africa and Middle East Department at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romaric Roignant, decorated Ambassador Al-Ruwaili with the medal awarded by the President of the Republic, President Emmanuel Macron, in a ceremony held at the Ministry, praising the ambassador's efforts and commending the progress in relations between the two countries at all levels.

For his part, Ambassador Al-Ruwaili expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation for this high honor, which confirms the broad progress in relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries. The ceremony was attended by a number of senior French officials, members of the French Parliament, ambassadors accredited to France, officials from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and embassy staff.

The Legion of Honor is the highest official decoration awarded by the French Republic. It was established in 1802 by leader Napoleon Bonaparte, to be awarded to exceptional figures, both French and international, who make outstanding contributions in the fields of politics, diplomacy, culture, science, and humanitarian work.

The medal, which bears the motto "Honor and Country," consists of three ranks (Knight, Officer, Commander) and two higher degrees. The rank of "Commander," awarded to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Ambassador, is among the highest advanced degrees of this historic medal, whose conferral ceremony is usually held at the historic Palace of the Legion of Honor on the banks of the Seine River in Paris.