ISLAMABAD, July 17: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) Gen Ehsanul Haq was decorated with France’s highest award, “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur” at a ceremony held at the residence of French ambassador here on Monday.

French ambassador Regis De Belenet decorated Gen Haq with the “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur” (Legion of Honour) in recognition of his efforts to promote relations between the armed forces of the two countries.

The award, constituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in May, 1802, is given for gallantry in military action or 20 years distinguished service in military or civilian life for work that enhances the reputation of France through scholarship, arts, sciences, politics, etc.

Gen Ehsanul Haq speaking on the occasion, thanked the French government for bestowing upon him the award and said it was the recognition of the strong cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence. “Pakistan and France are enjoying very cordial and strong relations, specially in the field of defence,” he said.

Appreciating the cooperation of the two countries in various fields, the JCSC chairman said, “Pakistan is grateful to French support in defence which will be helpful in maintaining peace and stability in the region”. Gen Haq lauded the French assistance and partnership in providing military hardware for army, navy and air force.

He expressed the hope that military-to-military relationship between Pakistan and France would be strengthened in future as the two countries have been cooperating in various fields.

French ambassador Regis Belenet expressed the hope that the award would further promote Pakistan-French relations particularly in the field of defence.

Congratulating Gen Haq for receiving the award, the ambassador said, “due to his personal involvement and contribution, the defence relations between the two countries has been strengthened”.

The ambassador also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism, particularly its cooperation with the multi-national forces to restore peace in Afghanistan.—APP