NNA - France has awarded yesterday, Thursday, the great Lebanese diva Majida El Roumi the Order of Arts and Letters, Officer Rank, during a ceremony held at the French Embassy in the presence of Information Minister Walid Daouk representing Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Minister of Culture Gaby Layoun and ranking dignitaries.



The Ambassador of France Patrice Paoli, who presented the Arts and Letters Order to the Lebanese artist, described her as "the incarnation of ideal Lebanese patriotism."



"I would like to pay tribute to the woman engaged in peace, with total determination (...). You have tirelessly promoted the idea of a sovereign and independent Lebanon," he said, praising her countless efforts as an ambassador for the UN Food and Agriculture "to raise funds to assist international NGOs and charity associations for the sake of the people in need."



For her part, Ms. El Roumi expressed gratitude to the French President. She explained that her art was a mission, that of "liberation through love."



Majida El Roumi also paid tribute to all those who supported her as well as to France, one of her "sources of inspiration."



==========D.K.