Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Natalia Gherman was awarded the Order of the Polar Star, Commander First Class, of the Kingdom of Sweden, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. The high distinction was conferred for personal contribution to the promotion of the Moldovan-Swedish relations as Moldova's Ambassador in Sweden and then Deputy Foreign Minister. The Order of the Polar Star is conferred on members of the regal family and foreign officials working in different areas. The award ceremony took place on December 9 at the residence of the Swedish Ambassador to Chisinau. Natalia Gherman has worked in Moldova's diplomatic service since 1991. In 2002-2006, she had served as Moldova's Ambassador in Austria and Permanent Representative to the OSCE and other international organizations, with residence in Vienna. In 2006-2009, she had worked as Ambassador to Sweden and simultaneously to Norway and Finland. Currently, Natalia Gherman is Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and chief negotiator of the Association Agreement between Moldova and the EU.