Lukashenko presented with Russia's highest state award

Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the order to the Belarusian leader.

The Belarusian head of state has been presented the order for his outstanding services to the allied relations and strategic partnership between the countries, friendly ties between the peoples of Russia and Belarus, and the effective development of the Union State.

"Dear Aleksandr Grigorievich, you certainly deserve this highest award, which shows Russia's gratitude for your exemplary contribution to the Russian-Belarusian relations of alliance and strategic partnership," the Russian leader emphasized.

He noted that these relations are based on the principles of friendship, neighborliness, mutual respect, regard for each other's interests, common history, moral and spiritual values and strong family ties.

"On such a solid foundation Russia and Belarus are building the Union State, ensuring common defense and security. We have created a common economic, legal and humanitarian space," Vladimir Putin stated.

The Russian president emphasized that Aleksandr Lukashenko played an integral role in creating the Union State and made a significant contribution to its strengthening and development. "We know you as a consistent and convinced supporter of preserving and expanding close ties within the Commonwealth of Independent States. Thanks to your active participation, mutually beneficial cooperation is developing within the framework of such organizations as the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization and now, since Belarus became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, we can include this organization," the Russian leader remarked.

"We maintain a constant dialogue. We regularly meet and call each other, discuss pressing bilateral matters and important regional and international issues. I sincerely cherish our good personal relations that we have developed over many years of joint work. I am confident that by our joint efforts we will continue to develop Russian-Belarusian cooperation, further strengthen mutually beneficial economic interaction, reliably ensure the security of the two countries and our common Union State," Vladimir Putin summarized.

He congratulated Aleksandr Lukashenko on the Russian highest award. Vladimir Putin wished the Belarusian president good health and further successes in his work and the Belarusian people peace, stability and prosperity.

The Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called is the highest state order of the Russian Federation and the first order and the highest award of the Russian Empire. The award was established by Peter I in honor of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called at the end of the 17th century. Over 1,000 people received the award until 1917.

After the October Revolution, the order was abolished as all other awards of the Russian Empire. In 1998, by decree of the Russian president, it was re-established as the highest state award. The order is given to prominent government and public figures and other citizens of the Russian Federation for “exceptional services to the prosperity, greatness and glory of Russia”. It may also be presented to heads of foreign states.

A total of 26 people have been awarded the Order since 1998, including China's President Xi Jinping, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the former leaders Heydar Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan.