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The President received in the Kremlin singer and public activist, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Culture Iosif Kobzon. Ninel Kobzon, the singer’s wife, attended the meeting too.

The head of state congratulated Mr Kobzon on his 80^th birthday and presented him with a painting Miner’s Song by artist Alexander Zelensky. The meeting with the Kobzons was informal and took place over tea.

The President signed an executive order awarding the merit badge For Benevolence to Iosif Kobzon for his active charitable and public activity.

Vladimir Putin also sent a message of congratulations to Iosif Kobzon on his 80^th birthday, which reads, in part:

“You are rightfully regarded as a luminary of our culture, a man of exceptional talent and energy.

I am glad that for many years you have not only been working in your professional field with devotion, but also participating actively in important civic and legislative efforts and sincerely care about promoting the best traditions of musical and variety entertainment that our country is famous for.”