The president of LUKoil, Russia's largest oil company, received the Decoration of Friendship on Monday from President Boris Yeltsin, Interfax reported.


LUKoil said in a statement that Yeltsin recognized Vagit Alekperov for "professional talent and organizing capabilities" that have allowed Russia "to strengthen its fuel and energy potential."


It quoted Alekperov as saying he believed the award was presented through him to all of Russia's oil workers.