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The President of Russia presented the Order of Alexander Nevsky decoration to the President of Kazakhstan. The decoration was awarded in recognition of Mr Nazarbayev’s great contribution to Russian-Kazakhstani cooperation and active input into the promotion of bilateral coordination to advance Eurasian integration processes.

The Order of Alexander Nevsky is awarded for outstanding personal achievements in nation-building, many years of honest service and high results in carrying out official duties, merits in strengthening Russia’s international prestige and defence capacity, and the development of the economy, science, education, culture, arts and healthcare.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Nazarbayev,

Before we begin the business-oriented portion of our meeting, I would like to once again congratulate you on your birthday. I called you and explained why I was unable to see you in person because of my schedule.

But you know that I, along with the entire nation of Russia, regard you with deep respect and love. And as a symbol of your merits to our peoples, for the initiative you showed from the beginning in the integration processes that have now come to a logical conclusion, a decision was made to award you a Russian Federation state decoration: the Order of Alexander Nevsky. And it is my pleasure to present it to you. This is truly a “battle” award, and it is well-deserved. Thank you.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev: Please allow me to thank you with all my heart, Mr Putin, for your attention and that you never forget, you are always true to your sense of friendship; I know very well that you are truly a man of your word. I will use this opportunity to thank all of Russia, the Russian people, and the media that have given me significant attention over the last several days.

We do what we do for all of us, for the Russian and Kazakhstani peoples. Today is an historic, great day that has brought together 14 presidents from different continents, different nations.

I had said that one day, all this will unite into a single integrated union: the Eurasian Union from West to East; Background information BRICS BRICS from North to South. And ultimately, this will be a great union.

We know that some people do not like this, but they do not like it because it has great promise. That merit is yours, Mr Putin. Thank you very much. I wish you health and success in all your affairs.

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