President of Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos on Monday presented Vice President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans with the "Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix" Medal at a special ceremony at the presidential mansion in Athens.
Pavlopoulos referred to Timmermans' contribution and underlined his efforts in support of European integration, chiefly by promoting the rule of law and observance of fundamental human rights. The Greek president pointed out that these are the two pillars of European democracy and European culture, while also pointing to Timmermans' contribution in the refugees' issue.
On his part, Timmermans thanked Pavlopoulos for the honour and expressed his gratitude for the Greek president's support and invaluable contribution, without which "all of this would have been impossible".
Timmermans also praised European Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos, who attended the ceremony, noting that his own efforts could not have brought results without Avramopoulos' "unstinting support and tireless efforts".
Source: amna.gr