Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a decree awarding the Order of Friendship to China Media Group President Shen Haixiong.

The decoration was awarded to Shen for "special merits in strengthening friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between peoples," the officially published decree said.

The order, set up in 1994, rewards Russian citizens and foreign nationals for outstanding accomplishments in strengthening peace and cooperation with Russia, as well as for charity activities.

(With input from Xinhua)