Merkel receives highest Slovak state award

President Andrej Kiska has presented the highest state award, the Order of the Double Barred Cross, First Class, to German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her exceptional merits for the universal development of the relations between Slovakia and Germany. "This award is at the same time an expression of thanks and appreciation of the chancellor's personal contribution to bolstering unity in Europe, especially in the key moments of its recent history, and for the protection and promotion of values of freedom, democracy and solidarity," the president's office said.