Vladimir Putin presented state awards for organising the International RUSSIA EXPO

On 4 November, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented state awards to Alexei Zharich, Deputy Head of the Presidential Directorate for Social Projects, Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, and Pavel Doroshenko, Deputy Director General for Exposition Activities at the National Centre RUSSIA. They received the prizes honouring their contribution to strengthening the unity of the Russian nation from the hands of the Head of state. Natalia Virtuozova was awarded the honorary title of Laureate of the Presidential Prize of the Russian Federation.

"Today we are honoring the laureates who have been awarded prizes in the last few years. This is a team of authors: Natalia Sergeyevna Virtuozova, Pavel Valentinovich Doroshenko, and Alexei Vyacheslavovich Zharich. They have done a lot to bring to life the International RUSSIA EXPO — a project unique in terms of scale and significance. It has become a real thrill for millions of people, showing a huge palette of talents and our country's achievements," said Vladimir Putin.

The President noted that National Unity Day was established in memory of the heroic deeds of our people, who defended the independence of the Motherland more than four centuries ago. Great solidarity, responsibility and duty to the Fatherland made it possible to strengthen the foundations of the state, to defend the sacred right to hold on to our own roots and moral pillars.

"And today, while preserving these traditions, we are peacefully, creatively and militarily defending the sovereignty, honor and dignity of our dear Russia <...> I sincerely congratulate you on National Unity Day, on receiving the Presidential Prize and high state awards," the Head of state added.