Eddie Fenech Adami, former President and Prime Minister, last night joined the league of the likes of Clint Eastwood, King Juan Carlos and Lech Walesa when he was bestowed with France's top honour.
Dr Fenech Adami became a Commander of the Order of the Legion of Honour during a ceremony held at the French ambassador's residence in Żebbuġ.
His admission to the Order was approved by President Nicolas Sarkozy who is the Grand Master of the Order of the Legion of Honour.
French Ambassador Daniel Rondeau showered Dr Fenech Adami with praise, calling him an exceptional individual known for his courage; a true Maltese statesman who preserved the sense of togetherness in the society and a great European for having had the vision to lead Malta into the EU.
Mr Rondeau said it was Dr Fenech Adami's courage, calm and composure that helped him counter violence and give politics in Malta the noble outlook it deserved.
"I have listened to your speeches many times, in small and large gatherings. What always surprises me is there is always so much substance in what you say.
"I acclaim you as a true Maltese statesman, for it was you who shaped Malta in the post-Cold War world to a free market economy and ensured your not-so-fortunate countrymen would get the necessary support from the state."
Visibly moved by the award, Dr Fenech Adami humbly said: "I always believed Malta's future lay in the EU. I have done nothing extraordinary.
"I think I was called upon to respond to whatever the situation was in the capacity I occupied. I gave my best and the fruit of my work has been appreciated by most Maltese and I find, also by you," Dr Fenech Adami told Mr Rondeau.
Mr Rondeau also paid tribute to all Maltese statesmen, especially to what he called "the incredible quartet who played a leading role in Malta's political scene... Presidents Emeriti Guido de Marco, Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, Ċensu Tabone and Dr Fenech Adami".
Prof. de Marco heaped praise on Dr Fenech Adami saying: "He will be remembered not only as the leader of the Nationalist Party... on this occasion he has to be remembered as a great leader of our country."
"France, a leading country in Europe, has recognised the great benefit Eddie has done for Malta in Europe," he added.
The Légion d'honneur has five ranks in ascending order: Chevalier, Officier, Commandeur, Grand Officier and Grand Croix. Very few enter the last two ranks because they are generally reserved for those who served in major wars.