Lebanese President Michel Aoun awarded the National Order of the Cedar, Grand Officer, to outgoing Emirati Ambassador to Lebanon Hamad Al-Shamsi, the National News Agency reported on Friday.
President Aoun presented Al-Shamsi with the Order during a farewell meeting held at the Presidential Palace, Baabda, on Friday afternoon, marking the conclusion of the diplomat’s mission in Lebanon and his nearing departure to Cairo.
During the ceremony, Aoun expressed his gratitude for “the efforts made by Ambassador Al-Shamsi during his stay in Lebanon to strengthen the Lebanese-Emirati relations and develop them in all fields,” wishing him success on his new mission.
On his part, Al-Shamsi noted the cooperation he has received from Lebanese officials throughout his 6-year diplomatic mission in Lebanon, thanking Aoun for the award.
“I will continue to work in any position I go to in order to help the Lebanese-Emirati relations for the benefit of the brotherly Lebanese and Emirati peoples,” he said.
The National Order of the Cedar is usually awarded by the Lebanese president in recognition of great services rendered to Lebanon, for acts of courage and devotion of great moral value, or for years in public service.
Earlier this week, President Aoun presented the Order to outgoing U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis, marking the end of his mission in Lebanon.
