Beijing (Feb. 2, 2012) – Karol Vanko, head of the Mesnac European Research and Technical Centre (MERTC) in Slovakia has been honored with the 2011 Chinese “Friendship Award”.

The national “Friendship Award” is awarded annually, and is the highest national award for the foreign experts who work in China. It is granted by Chinese government and used for appreciating and commending the foreign experts who make outstanding contribution in China's social development, economic, technology, education and culture construction, and talents cultivation.