Spanish award for ex-Foreign Minister

King Juan Carlos of Spain has awarded the Grand Cross of Isabel la Católica, one of Spain's highest decorations, to former Foreign Minister of Malta Michael Frendo.

The award was made to highlight Dr Frendo's "contribution to the Mediterranean dialogue within the European policies and his remarkable work to enhance the political relations between Spain and Malta".

Since he completed his term as Foreign Minister in 2008, Dr Frendo has been invited to participate in various international conferences and think-tanks. The most recent event included forming part of a small select group of international personalities who met at Villa Madama to discuss The G8 and Beyond: The Economics and Politics of a Global Century.

Dr Frendo also delivered the Seventh Manuel Chrysolaras Lecture at the European Public Law Organisation in Athens, Greece on the theme A European Voice in the Mediterranean.