OREANDA-NEWS. March 24, 2008. Director of the U.S. Library of Congress James H. Billington and Chairman of the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation James W. Symington received the decoration for their contribution to developing U.S.- Russian relations and strengthening friendship and cooperation between the Russian Federation and the United States.

Paula Kaarina Tuomikoski, director of the cultural export division at the Finnish Ministry of Education, was awarded the decoration for her great contribution to strengthening cultural ties and cooperation between the peoples of Russia and Finland.