Eight diplomats from Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and other countries received the award for their contribution to friendship and cooperation

As reported by CCTV+, an award ceremony for the “Outstanding Diplomat of China” medal was held in Beijing. The medal was presented to diplomats who have made significant contributions to the development of mutual understanding between China and their countries.

Eight foreign diplomats received the medal. Among them were former Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov, former Cambodian Ambassador to China Khek Kaimeli Sysoda, Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, Kazakh Ambassador to China Shakhrat Nuryshev, Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Ahmad Al-Harbi, former Chadian Ambassador to China Allamaye Halina, Colombian Ambassador to China Sergio Cabrera Cardenas and former Uruguayan Ambassador to China Fernando Lugris.

The laureates expressed deep gratitude. They noted that the award is not only recognition of their personal achievements, but also confirmation of the high level of bilateral relations.

Former Russian Ambassador to China Andrey Denisov said: “First of all, it is wonderful, very pleasant to hear. And, of course, it gives a feeling of pride. I am proud that my very modest contribution to the development of bilateral relations has been recognized with such a high award. It is not just an award. It is a kind of hope that in the future progress will be the same, or even better than before. We are two large countries. We are not allies, but we are very close. So from this point of view, I am confident that we have a good future and that good results will be achieved soon.”

Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi added: “I am extremely pleased with this honor and this prestigious outstanding diplomat award. I think it is a personal honor and an honor for my country. And I think it is also a tribute to the unbreakable friendship between Pakistan and China. So I feel very encouraged and inspired to do even more to further strengthen our bilateral relations.”

Former Uruguayan Ambassador to China Fernando Lugris emphasized: “This is recognition not only of me personally, but of all Uruguayan diplomats who for many decades have worked to develop bilateral relations with China. This comprehensive strategic partnership is a model in international relations. Since we are countries that are very far from each other, we were separated by geography and history for many centuries. But fortunately, today we are great friends. We have reached a very important political agreement on the essence of our principles. We have so much in common with China in our views on protecting the international system.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the “Outstanding Diplomat” medal specifically to express appreciation and gratitude to effective diplomats and to strengthen friendship.

The “Outstanding Diplomat” medal is not just an award. It is recognition that diplomacy is made by people. Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia — all received a sign that China values not only economics and politics, but also personal contribution. Denisov speaks of hope. Hashmi speaks of unbreakable friendship. Lugris speaks of shared principles. Eight diplomats. Eight countries.

One medal. The question is not who deserved it. The question is how many more diplomats will work so that someday they too will receive such an award. While Beijing honors its friends, the world watches and draws conclusions.