President Milos Zeman of the Czech Republic on Tuesday handed over the First Class Medal for Services to famous Armenian businessman Gevorg Avetisyan.

Avetisyan, founder and owner of MARLENKA Enterprises, was awarded the medal back in 2021, making him the first Armenian in the Czech Republic to receive such a high honor, Orer.eu reported.

Around 60 individuals, including cultural, political figures and scientists, received the highest Czech awards during the solemn ceremony in Prague.

Armenian Ambassador to the Czech Republic Ashot Hovakimian, who also attended the ceremony, lauded Gevorg Avetisyan’s contribution not only to the Czech Republic, but also to the development of Czech-Armenian relations.