President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has handed over "Puhkin" Medal to vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva.

The award giving ceremony took place as part of an event marking the People`s Unity Day.

The Russian President presented state awards to several foreign citizens honoring their contribution to the strengthening of their countries` cooperation, mutual understanding and friendship with Russia.

Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva thanked Mr Putin for “highly appreciating” her activity. "I am so happy that I have made a little contribution to the strengthening of friendship and good neighborhood relations between the two countries.” “Dear Mr. President, I express my deepest gratitude to you for the highest award. I wish you and all the people of Russia happiness, peace and prosperity," Leyla Aliyeva said.

Leyla Aliyeva said Azerbaijan and Russia are bound together by ties of history. She hailed the bilateral humanitarian and cultural cooperation.

Leyla Aliyeva was awarded "Pushkin" Medal for her contribution to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation with the Russian Federation, and for her role in promoting the Russian language and culture abroad.