The ceremony, at which the Russian President was awarded a diploma and a robe, took place at the Rukhiyet Palace.
Mr Putin admitted that he had not expected the ceremony to be so extravagant and to gather so many people. He said that he would work to ensure that Russian-Turkmen relations were mutually beneficial, helping the two countries’ people and promoting their sincere friendship.
A concert was given at the palace after the ceremony.
See also
Visit to Turkmenistan
May 19, 2000