Salma Hayek isn’t the only Latina celebrity being honored by the French government… Shakira has received one of the highest honors bestowed upon artists and musicians in France.

The 34-year-old Colombian superstar was decorated as a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters this past weekend during a special musical even in Cannes, France.

Accompanied by her parents, Shakira said she was “happy” to receive “one of the highest honors in arts and letters, since it comes from a country like France, which has such an important cultural heritage.”

“This moment has made me feel the most honored in my career,” the “La Tortura” singer said in a statement.

French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand was on hand to present Shakira with the award. Amid cheering from the audience, he pinned the medal on her as a “symbol of culture at a planetary level,” and said that thanks to her “generosity and charm” she lets people share her “joy.”

Mitterrand compared Shakira to other Latin stars like Gloria Estefan and Jennifer Lopez, and saluted “her combination of voice, Latin style, determination and a passionate femininity.”

Shakira answered France’s gesture by speaking in French about the “special connection” she feels with the country, to the extent that her heart “is also French.”