For his outstanding work in favor of the strengthening of relations between Cuba and France, Jean Pierre Bel, special envoy of the President of that European nation for Latin America and the Caribbean, was presented on Tuesday with the Friendship Medal.

In a ceremony attended by Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice-president of the Council of State, Pierre Bel received from the hands of acting Foreign Minister Marcelinio Medina the medal given by the Cuban Council of State.

Also in the presence of Jean Marie Bruno, French ambassador to the island and of part of the French diplomatic corps, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra highlighted the work of the special envoy, a man that has been consistent with the ideals of justice, equality and fraternity.

Moved while receiving at the ceremony the Friendship Medal, the diplomat thanked the Cuban government and people for this special gesture, a meeting in which Havana City Historian Eusebio Leal was also present.