Mustafa Jemilev to be awarded the Order of State of Republic of Turkey, country’s highest prize. The ceremony was taking place in Chankaya Villa, official residence of the President of the Republic of Turkey on April 15.

Order of State of Republic of Turkey is the highest state decoration awarded by President of Turkey with decision of the Council of Ministers. The order symbolizes strengthening of friendly relations between the countries, QHA reported.

President Abdullah Gül presented the prestigious medal to Mustafa Jemilev in a symbolic gesture to demonstrate Turkey's deep commitment to the well-being of the Tatars, an ethnic Turkic minority of the Crimean Peninsula.

“I appreciate deeply the order I have received in this hard times. Of course, it won’t make Russian tank leave Crimea, still it shows that 80 million Turkish people support Ukraine and does not recognize the annexation of Crimea”- he said in interview to Ukrainian 5 Channel. "We hope that this occupation will not last long and Crimea will be free", said Jemilev.

The ceremony was attended by head of Mejlis of Crimean Tatar people Refat Chubarov, vice-head of Mejlis Aslan Omer Kırımlı and Ukrainian presidential candidate Petro Poroshenko.

Earlier Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Reza Gilani, British foreign minister Jack Straw were given the award.