On December 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation.

First, the awarding ceremony of Azerbaijan's “Dostlug” (Friendship) Order to Rustam Minnikhanov took place. By the Order of President Ilham Aliyev, Rustam Minnikhanov was honored with the “Dostlug” Order in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the development of friendship and cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation.

President Ilham Aliyev said: I congratulate you on receiving the well-deserved award. For many years, you have been working tirelessly to strengthen our traditional ties. Therefore, it is a great pleasure for me to present you with such a high honor and wish you continued success.

Rustam Minnikhanov said: Mr. President, thank you very much. This is a high award. We greatly value our relations within the framework of Russia-Azerbaijan cooperation. Tatarstan holds a special place in this context. Historically, our brotherly nations and, most importantly, our leaders – Azerbaijani Leader Heydar Aliyev and our first President, Mintimer Sharipovich Shaimiev – laid the foundation for the course we continue to develop.

Following this, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation, had a joint lunch.