During a ceremony held last week at the residence of the French ambassador, Kareen Rispal, Admiral General Antonio Piñeiro, Chief of Staff of the Navy (AJEMA), received the National Order of the Legion of Honor, while Lieutenant General Carlos Melero, Chief of the Land Force, was awarded the National Order of Merit.
The Government of the French Republic awarded these two prestigious distinctions last week in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to bilateral cooperation, and the French ambassador was responsible for presenting the decorations.
The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, attended the event and highlighted the strong relationship between the Armed Forces of Spain and France, emphasizing their collaboration in critical missions such as peace in Lebanon and support for the aircraft carrier ‘Charles de Gaulle’ in the Mediterranean. Robles underscored the importance of this bond, describing both countries as “reliable and responsible allies” within the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance.
In her speech, the minister also thanked the awardees for their dedication and the elevation of the prestige of the Navy and the Army. Additionally, she reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to a more autonomous European Union and an Atlantic Alliance that serves as a model in the pursuit of peace in an increasingly volatile world.