On July 5, 2012, at the Italian Embassy, the former head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and now the Governor of the Moscow Region, Sergei Shoigu, was awarded the Knight's Military Cross - the highest award of the Order of Malta.
The Order of Malta is a mysterious organization covered with age-old legends and traditions. It was founded at the beginning of the 12th century in Palestine by the Crusaders. Members of this monastic order of knights saw their mission in protecting and healing pilgrims in the Holy Land.
Over time, the Order of Malta was transformed from a religious organization into a purely secular one. His charitable work extends to more than 120 countries and is associated with the provision of humanitarian assistance to victims of natural disasters and military conflicts.
The highest award of the Order of Malta - the Knight's Military Cross - is awarded for mercy, help and salvation.
Sergei Shoigu was at the forefront of the creation of an emergency rescue service in Russia - the Ministry of Emergencies (Ministry of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters), which he headed for more than 20 years. Thus, the members of the Order of Malta decided to acknowledge the merits of the former Minister of Emergency Situations in providing assistance.
Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu was presented with the Knight's Military Cross by the Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta, Matthew Festing. During the ceremony, he said that this award is a sign of recognition of Sergei Shoigu's contribution to the development of the Russian Emergencies Ministry and his role in strengthening friendly ties and cooperation between the Order of Malta and Russia. He also expressed confidence that the work started by Shoigu will continue to develop for the benefit of all those in need of help.
In response, Sergei Shoigu thanked for such a high assessment of the activities of the entire staff of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation and said that he would try to continue and multiply what he had begun in a new capacity.
Earlier, Sergei Shoigu was awarded the Order of the Hero of Russia and the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, II degree, as well as the medal "Defender of Free Russia," the Serbian Order of St. Sava, I degree, and many other awards.
