Iranian Foreign Minister Congratulates Lavrov on Receiving Russia’s Highest State Decoration

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has extended warm congratulations to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, following the latter’s receipt of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, the highest state honor of the Russian Federation, bestowed by President Vladimir Putin.

The prestigious award was presented during an official ceremony held in the Catherine Hall of the Senate Palace at the Kremlin. The conferment, issued by presidential decree on March 21, coincided with Foreign Minister Lavrov’s 75th birthday.

According to the decree, the Russian diplomat received the honor “for outstanding services to the Fatherland, his significant contribution to the development and implementation of the foreign policy of the Russian Federation, and many years of fruitful public service.”

In a message addressed to Lavrov, Foreign Minister Araqchi conveyed his congratulations to Lavrov and the staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry. He emphasized that the award symbolizes the high degree of trust placed in Lavrov by the Russian President, and stands as recognition of his effective and invaluable diplomatic efforts amid today’s complex international environment.

“Bestowing this decoration upon you by President Putin is a testament to your strategic vision and tireless service, which have been instrumental in shaping the close and strategic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation,” Araqchi wrote.

He concluded the message by wishing Lavrov continued success and expressed hope for the further deepening of bilateral ties between Tehran and Moscow.