President Vladimir Putin on Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's birthday issued a decree giving him a medal for outstanding achievements in foreign policy.
The medal is an order for service to the fatherland, awarded in part for Lavrov's many years of service as a diplomat, according to a copy of the decree posted on the state legal information website.
Lavrov, Russia's top diplomat, turned 65 years old on Saturday. He has been foreign minister for more than a decade.
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, also awarded Lavrov one of the Church's highest honors, the order of Sergius of Radonezh, state news agency TASS reported Monday.
"I know you as a man with strict moral principles, an active patriot who remains faithful to his duty," the patriarch was quoted as saying.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
