Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been awarded an Armenian state decoration for his contribution to the development of Russian-Armenian ties, the Armenian presidential press service has said.
A decree to award Lavrov with the Order of Saint Mesrop Mashtots was signed by Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan. The announcement comes during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's state visit to Yerevan.
"The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry has been awarded for his great contribution to the strengthening and development of centuries-long friendly relations between Russia and Armenia," the press service said in a statement.
Saint Mesrop Mashtots was an Armenian monk, theologian and linguist who invented the Armenian alphabet.
According to the Armenian president's official website, the Order of Saint Mesrop Mashtots is awarded for significant achievements in the spheres of the development of the economy, natural and social sciences, inventions, culture, education, healthcare and social activity, as well as for activity, promoting the development of the scientific-technical, economic and cultural cooperation of the Republic of Armenia with foreign countries.
YEREVAN, August 20 (RIA Novosti)
