The President met with Mr Gamzatov, who came to the Bocharov Ruchei residence on Mr Putin’s invitation.
Mr Putin noted that Mr Gamzatov had a lot of orders and ranks but the highest of all was the title of the People’s Poet. The President emphasised that Rasul Gamzatov was not only the poet of the Avar and Dagestan people, but also people across Russia love him and were proud of him.
The President awarded Mr Gamzatov the Order of St Apostle Andrew the First-Called.
Rasul Gamzatov came to the presidential residence with two daughters and a granddaughter, and with his best friends, writer Daniil Granin, poet David Kugultinov and singer Nani Bregvadze.
After awarding the order, Mr Putin invited Mr Gamzatov and other guests for a dinner.
See also
Speech at a Meeting with Rasul Gamzatov
September 8, 2003