Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Order of Friendship to Pargev Avetisyan, vice-rector for science of the Armenian-Russian University, in the Kremlin. The ceremony took place on November 4, the Day of National Unity, in the Kremlin, Interfax reports. Avetisyan, a citizen of Armenia, was awarded the Russian state award for his significant contribution to the preservation and popularization of Russian culture abroad. Earlier, on October 22, Putin signed the decree awarding him. Since 2001, Avetisyan has been the vice-rector for science at the Armenian-Russian University and coordinates the university's research activities and cooperation with Russian scientific centers and universities. The Order of Friendship was also awarded to representatives of other countries and organizations that contribute to the development of international relations with Russia.