Lima, May 7 (IANS/EFE): Peruvian Foreign Minister Rafael Roncagliolo has awarded the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service to singer Tania Libertad for her 50-year artistic career.

In a ceremony at the presidential palace in Lima, Roncagliolo pinned the medal on the famed Peruvian artist, who has lived for more than 30 years in Mexico and received a Grammy Award for her lifetime musical career in 2009.

"To be honored by my country not only moves me deeply but also makes me a very privileged person," the singer told guests at the palace.

Tania Libertad, 59, said that though she has not been physically in Peru for many years, it was always in her heart and in her roots.

"I began this wonderful vocation when I was a very little girl. Music has been my whole life and I had the luck to always have great creative people around me, great artists who taught me to stay on the right road," she said.

The artist, who will give a concert in Lima next week, said that spreading the "wonderful culture of Peru" will continue to be her priority.

Throughout her artistic career, the singer has shared the spotlight with such stars as Armando Manzanero, Miguel Bose, Pablo Milanes, Vicente Fernandez and many more.