BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, was awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his efforts in strengthening the strategic partnership and alliance between the two countries. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk presented the award to Japarov during the VI Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum in the Issyk-Kul region. The award recognizes Japarov’s contributions to enhancing friendly ties between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. Notably, Japarov will celebrate his 60th birthday on September 14.