Today the medal of Merit for the elimination of Spitak earthquake consequences is awarded to Russian State Duma deputy, ex-chairman of the USSR Council of ministers Nikolay Rijkov. The presentation took place at the jubilee meeting dedicated to the 80 anniversary of the Yerevan State University of Architecture and construction. In his speech, Rijkov noted that «the friendship with Armenia has lasted for many years. It started in the most difficult time and that is why it is so fast». «I admire Armenian people who today continue to create masterpieces of architecture», the Russian deputy stated.