The award, granted by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, "reflects the great contribution of Tamayo to the relations between both nations, as the first cosmonaut of the island-nation and as the president of the parliamentary group 'Cuba-Russia Friendship,'" said Ivan Melnikov, vice president of the Russian Duma.

The Russian parliamentary leader said both countries are closely linked by their historical friendship, highlighting the former Soviet Union's support for the Cuban Revolution.

Cuba and Russia are celebrating two important jubilees this year: the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's space flight, the first human being to journey into outer space, and the Cuban victory over the CIA invasion at the Bay of Pigs.

Tamayo emphasized the importance of both events, and added that the Soviet-Cuban flight in 1980 "symbolized the top of the friendly relations between the two peoples."

"The fundamental merit to obtain this high honor is due to the historical relations between our governments and peoples, who have inspired us to continue working for the strengthening of our ties," he said.

"I welcome wholeheartedly the Russian government's gesture and the Russian people, and especially its president, Dmitry Medvedev, for giving me this order (of friendship) that I receive on behalf of my people," he said.

Tamayo participated in a Cuban-Soviet joint space flight in September 1980, becoming the first Cuban and Latin American to visit outer space.

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