Top Turkish businesswoman presented with French state medal

Guler Sabanci, the head of Sabanci Holding, one of Turkey's most powerful conglomerates, yesterday was presented the French Republic's highest state medal, the Legion d'Honneur. Presenting the medal to Sabanci in a ceremony at Istanbul's Sakip Sabanci Museum, French Ambassador Bernard Emie read out a message from French Economy, Industry and Employment Minister Christine Lagarde, who was unable to attend the ceremony. Calling Sabanci an active, modern and sophisticated woman and as a role model for all Turkish women, Lagarde said this is the reason France's president decided to honor her. Pointing to successful projects carried out by Sabanci, Lagarde called the partnership between Sabanci Holding and French-based retailer Carrefour a great success story. Lagarde said that Sabanci's interest in higher education and culture, two areas France is deeply committed to, have also helped Turkey enormously. Speaking at the ceremony, Sabanci said that she was honored to get the award from France. "I'm well aware that such an honor increases my responsibility," she said. "We all know that our countries, which have the opportunity to realize great things together, have certain problems concerning the European Union. During such a period, I know I am taking the responsibility for contributing to relations between our countries."