Armenia honors French-Armenian actor Simon Abkarian with culture medal

French-Armenian actor, playwright and theater director Simon Abkarian has been awarded the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports' Gold Medal in recognition of his contributions to international theater and cinema, his promotion of Armenian culture abroad, and his longstanding efforts to strengthen cultural ties between Armenia and France.

The medal was presented by Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, the ministry reported on Friday.

Abkarian also received the "Golden Apricot Master" award during the 23rd Golden Apricot International Film Festival in Yerevan.

Accepting the honors, Abkarian thanked organizers and said, "I am happy to be in Armenia and to be part of this beautiful festival."

Abkarian is among the festival's honorary guests this year. As part of the event, audiences on July 16 and 17 are screening director Antonin Baudry's two-part historical biographical drama, De Gaulle's Battle, in which Abkarian portrays Gen. Charles de Gaulle.