Addis Ababa, November 9 (WIC) - Former Ethiopian Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Ambassador Kassa Gebre-Hiwot, on Sunday received the state award from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

According to African Press Agency (APA), Ambassador Kassa received the award in recognition to his great contributions to building friendship and cooperation with Russia.   

President Medvedev thanked the recipient of the state award, calling him “true enthusiast who makes efforts at the highest level to support interest in Russian culture and history, promote the study of Russian, and preserve the integrity and diversity of the unique Russian world that unites all Russians, wherever they may be, and all friends of Russia around the world.”   

Receiving his award, Ambassador Kassa, said “having an Ethiopian citizen receive the Order of Friendship is a clear expression of the feelings that the people of Ethiopia and Russia have toward one another.”