Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Hun Sen has been awarded with “Order of Friendship” from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Press attaché of the Russian Embassy in Cambodia Mr. Rafael Iangareev says that the award is to recognize the Cambodian Premier's significant contribution to strengthening friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Cambodia and Russia. He says the Russian President has signed a Decree No. 434 on 25 July, awarding Prime Minister Hun Sen with the Order of Friendship.

The Order of Friendship is a state decoration of the Russian Federation to reward Russian and foreign nationals whose work, deeds and efforts have been aimed at the betterment of relations with the Russian Federation and its people. The Kingdom of Cambodia and the Russian Federation established their diplomatic ties on May 13, 1956. They mark this year the 65th anniversary of their relations.