President François Hollande awarded writer Ismail Kadare the title Commander of the Legion of Honour, during a special ceremony held in the Winter Salon at the Élysée Palace.

In addition to friends and personalities of the world of culture and politics in France, special guest of President Hollande at this award ceremony was Prime Minister Edi Rama accompanied by his wife Linda.

Ismail Kadare was awarded the highest decoration, thus becoming a member of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. In a speech delivered on this occasion, President François Hollande described Kadare as an Albanian and a French in his heart and a universal man in his soul. Ismail Kadare expressed gratitude for this honour done to him and to his country.