Designated Minister Vincent Meriton was on Friday awarded the Pushkin Medal for promoting the Russian language and friendship between Russia and Seychelles.
It was given to him by Russian ambassador Mikhail Kalinin during a ceremony held at the
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay resort, organised to mark the National Day of Russia.
Among those present were former president James Mancham, president of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor, ministers, members of the democratic corps and of the National Assembly.
Mr Mancham was recognised for his contribution to global conservation efforts and in particular for taking part in the 4th Nevski Ecological Congress in St Petersbury recently.
Mr Kalinin said Mr Meriton ¬– who is also the Minister for Community Development Youth and Sports and heads the Russian Graduates Association – has been very helpful in setting up the association.
“By the degree of the President of the Russian Federation Mr Meriton has been awarded the state decoration of Russia, the Pushkin Medal,” said Mr Kalinin.
He said Alexander Pushkin was and still is the greatest Russian poet who came from Ethiopia in Africa.
“Russian President Dimitry Medvedev has authorised me as his plenipotentiary envoy to solemnly present on his behalf this decoration to Mr Meriton and I am very honoured to do this duty now,” he said.
Mr Meriton – who spoke extensively in fluent Russian – said it was an honour to get the medal which he “received on behalf of all those who play an active role in promoting the friendly relations between the two countries”.
Seychelles Nation - 13.06.2011
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