Updated: 6 October, 2008

• Uzbekistan - Karimov Awards Putin President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States that was held in Moscow. During the informal summit, Islam Karimov presented to president of Russian Federation Vlidimir Putin the highest award in Uzbekistan Buyuk Khizmatlari Uchun (For Great Achievements). The award was given for a great contribution to development of cooperation and strengthening friendship between the two countries. Before Putin, the Uzbek boxer Ruslan Chagaev was honored the same award after he became a champion beating Russian boxer Nikolai Valuev. uzbekistan.neweurrasia.net 24 Feb 08