By Russian president’s decree Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov has been awarded Russia’s Order of Friendship “for a large individual contribution to development of Russian-Tajik relations, strengthening of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between the peoples.”

Sirojiddin Aslov has served as Foreign Minister of Tajikistan since November 29, 2013.

Recall, Chairman of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper house of parliament), Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev was awarded Russia’s Order of Friendship four weeks ago.    

The Order of Friendship is a state decoration of the Russian Federation established by Boris Yeltsin by presidential decree 442 of March 2, 1994 to reward foreign nationals whose work, deeds and efforts were aimed at the betterment of relations with the Russian Federation and its people. Its statute was later amended by presidential decree 19 of January 6, 1999, presidential decree 1099 of September 7, 2010, presidential decree 1631 of December 16, 2011, and presidential decree 308 of March 16, 2012.  It can trace its lineage to the Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples.

The Order of Friendship is awarded to Russian and foreign nationals for special merit in strengthening peace, friendship, cooperation and understanding between nations, for fruitful work on the convergence and mutual enrichment of cultures of nations and peoples; for the active conservation, development and promotion of the cultural and historical heritage of Russia; for great contribution to the implementation of joint ventures with the Russian Federation, major economic projects and attracting investments into the economy of the Russian Federation; for broad charitable activities.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to arrive in Dushanbe in the evening of February 27.  All official meetings of the Russian president are scheduled for February 28.