Maia Sandu receives Ukraine's top state honor

Moldovan President Maia Sandu was awarded the Order of Princess Olga, First Class, one of Ukraine's highest state honors, in Kyiv on Monday. The decoration was presented to her by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during events marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

The award was given for outstanding personal contributions to strengthening cooperation between the two countries and supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

“I receive this distinction on behalf of the people of the Republic of Moldova,” President Maia Sandu said. “In the first days of the war, families in our country opened their homes and hearts to women and children fleeing the bombs. This is their merit.”

The Order of Princess Olga is a Ukrainian state decoration established in 1997 and awarded to women for outstanding achievements in state and civic activities, science, education, culture, charity and other areas of public life.

Since the beginning of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, Moldova has provided shelter to Ukrainians fleeing the war, facilitated transit corridors for Ukrainian exports and provided humanitarian and energy assistance. With a shared border of 1,222 kilometers, Moldova is a trusted security partner for Ukraine and the rest of Europe.

Moldova also joined the Coalition of the Willing this year, a political and diplomatic coordination format chaired by France, Germany and the United Kingdom and bringing together more than 30 countries, most of them European. The coalition aims to support Ukraine in its efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace and secure strong security guarantees to prevent further aggression.

President Maia Sandu participated on Monday, August 24, in the meeting of coalition leaders held in Kyiv.

The Order of Princess Olga is the second state distinction awarded to President Maia Sandu by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On August 23, 2021, the Moldovan president was awarded the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, First Class.

Photo: PO Moldova