In his remarks, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia thanked First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for her support to the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as for her great contribution to strengthening friendly relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.
Patriarch Kirill highlighted Mehriban Aliyeva's activities as a public figure, as well as the works done by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which she heads. He hailed Mehriban Aliyeva's involvement in the implementation of a number of huge projects as the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, saying she received a number of prestigious awards for her services.
"Being UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill ambassador, the Azerbaijani first lady was also awarded the high state awards by presidents of France, Pakistan, Serbia and Poland," he added.
Patriarch Kirill then presented the Order to Mehriban Aliyeva.
Addressing the ceremony, Mehriban Aliyeva thanked Patriarch Kirill for the high award.
The the Order of the saint Equal to the Apostles Duchess Olga of the 2nd Degree is granted to women for their merits in various fields of church, state and public service.
In 2013, under the patronage of Mehriban Aliyeva, the first monument to the saint Equal to the Apostles Prince Vladimir in Russia was constructed in Astrakhan. Under her personal instructions, the area adjacent to the monument was landscaped in 2017.
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