The Order of Friendship (Russian: Орден Дружбы, Orden Druzhby) is a state decoration of the Russian Federation established by Boris Yeltsin by presidential decree 442 of 2 March 1994[1] 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 design of order was created by Alexander Zhuk[ru]. Its statute was later amended by presidential decree 19 of 6 January 1999,[2] presidential decree 1999 of 7 September 2010,[3] presidential decree 1631 of 16 December 2011,[4] and presidential decree 308 of 16 March 2012.[5] The Order of Friendship is the direct successor of the SovietOrder of Friendship of Peoples and like the latter, its insignia was similarly designed by Alexander Zhuk.
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Quick Facts Type, Awarded for ...
Order of Friendship
Order of Friendship (obverse)
Type
Single grade order
Awarded for
Strengthening friendship and cooperation between peoples
The Order of Friendship is awarded to Russian and foreign nationals for special merit in strengthening peace, friendship, cooperation and understanding between nations, for fruitful work on the convergence and mutual enrichment of cultures of nations and peoples; for the active conservation, development and promotion of the cultural and historical heritage of Russia; for great contribution to the implementation of joint ventures with the Russian Federation, major economic projects and attracting investments into the economy of the Russian Federation; for broad charitable activities.[5]
The badge of the Order of Friendship is made of gilded silver and enamels. It is a pentagonal star created from diverging golden rays. On the obverse at the center of the star is a terrestrial globe, with the oceans covered in blue enamel. The globe is surrounded by a green enamelled wreath of olive branches. On the reverse is the inscription "Peace and Friendship" (Russian: "Мир и дружба") and the etched serial number of the individual award. The distance between opposite tips of the star is 44mm.[1]
The badge of the order is connected by a ring through the suspension loop to a standard Russian pentagonal mount covered with an overlapping 24mm wide green silk moiré ribbon with 6mm wide light blue stripes along its edges.[1] When worn in the presence of other Orders and medals of the Russian Federation, the Order of Friendship is located immediately after the Order of Honour.[6]
The following individuals were awarded the Order of Friendship:[7]
Pedro Duque, First Spanish Astronaut. Awarded for the Cervantes mission in 1998, which was launched from Russia.