President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has been awarded the highest state award of Russia – the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called.
The award ceremony took place on October 9 in the Kremlin.
The press service of the head of state reported this.
Why Lukashenko was awarded the highest state award of the Russian Federation
The President of Belarus was awarded for outstanding achievements in the development of Russian-Belarusian relations of alliance and strategic partnership and the strengthening of friendly ties between the peoples of the two countries, as well as for his great personal contribution to the creation and effective operation of the Union State of Belarus and Russia.
Presenting the award, Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the President of Belarus stood at the origins of the creation of the Union State.
I sincerely value our good personal relations, ” the Russian president noted.
In his response, Lukashenko expressed gratitude for the high award, noting that he considers it recognition of the merits of the entire Belarusian people.
He also noted that for Belarus, Russia has always been and will be more than a neighboring country.
The President noted that the relations between the countries and their leaders have become closer, kinder and more friendly than ever.
I value this very much, the head of state emphasized.
