APCOM

The Mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, received today the Legion of Honours, highest-ranking order and decoration of the French Republic. "It is a significant and important recognition which encourages me to continue honouring the bonds that tie the two countries: those values of democracy for which our Nations have always fought for" explained Letizia Moratti during the ceremony with the French Ambassador Jean-Marc de La Sablier, at Palazzo Marino, headquarters of the Municipality of Milan.

"We have a very strong tie with France which is based on centuries of history and of shared cultural traditions" explained the Mayor of Milan. "Mutual collaboration between the two countries has never lacked. As Rai President, thanks to the collaboration of my French friend Gian Pier Garbage, I managed to avoid the closure of the Euronews channel" said Letizia Moratti. "In addition, two great cultural figures such as Jack Lang and Giorgio Strehler, French the first, Italian the second, founded in 1990 the Union of European theaters. A project which is part of this prolific collaboration between the two countries and of the European vision I strongly believe in" - added Mrs Moratti.

"As General Charles de Gaulle used to say - explained then the French Ambassador Le Sablier - Milan is a friend. I was nominated Ambassador only six months ago, and this is the sixth time I come to Milan. This proves the strong intellectual and industrial trait that characterizes this city. Besides being a financial capital, Milan is also a big European metropolis".

"Your professionalism together with your international approach play a fundamental role in the candidacy of Milan to the 2015 Expo bid" added the French Ambassador addressing the Mayor Moratti.