For his significant contribution to the promotion and fostering of the international dialogue and for strengthening the friendly relations between the Republic of Malta and the Republic of Bulgaria, President Rosen Plevneliev was awarded Malta’s highest state order, the Companion of Honour of Malta's National Order of Merit.

President Rosen Plevneliev was awarded the order by President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca at a special ceremony in Valletta, where the Bulgarian President is on a state visit.

The order of Malta is awarded to foreign citizens who have contributed to the development of the international relations and who have won the respect and gratitude of the people of the Maltese Islands.