Bashar al-Assad

Keywords

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad presents Prince Carlo of Bourbon of... News PhotoBashar al-Assad,Bourbon whiskey,Christianity,Damascus,Diplomacy,Middle East,Palace,Politics,President,Syria,VerticalPhotographer Collection: AFP 2013 AFPSyrian President Bashar al-Assad presents Prince Carlo of Bourbon of the two Sicilies, Duke of Calabria, the Syrian Medal of Merit at al-Shaab palace in Damascus 21 March 2004. The Duke bestowed on Assad the highest Catholic Order, the honour of the Knight Grand Cross of Francesco I and the Benemerenti Gold Medal of the Constantinian Order. Assad became the first Muslim head of state to be recognized by the Catholic order for his contribution to interreligious dialogue and understanding by a Catholic Institution. AFP PHOTO/Louai BESHARA (Photo credit should read LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images)