President of Russia Vladimir Putin awarded Director of the Chekhov State Russian Drama Theater in Chisinau Constantin Haret with the Medal of Pushkin for substantial contribution in strengthening friendship and cooperation between the people, preserving and popularization of the Russian language and culture abroad, Infotag reports. 

“This honorary award is an appreciation not only of my activities, but of the entire theater team’s work. Despite all the difficulties, we are holding the first position among Moldovan theaters in terms of attendance. Not only Russian-speaking spectators come to our performances, but also Moldovans, Bulgarians, Gagauz people. We are rightly regarded to be an island of Russian culture and Russian spirituality in Moldova”, said Constantin Haret at the awarding ceremony in Kremlin.

Haret was born in a family of actors and has been working as actor in this theater for already twenty years, including as Director over the last six years. Haret is holding the title “People’s Artist of Moldova”.

Earlier, the Pushkin medal was awarded to Art Director of the State Youth Theater “From the Rose Street” Iurie Harmelin, Pushkinologist Victor Cusnirenco, former Director of Pushkin house-museum in Chisinau Eugenia Sugac.

In different years, this award was given to great-great-grandson of the poet – Alexander Pushkin, Kyrgyzstan former president Askar Akayev, former Secretary General of China Jiang Zemin, French actress Marina Vladi, Russian and Georgian singer Tamara Gverdsiteli.

The Medal of Pushkin is made of silver. It was established in 1999 and is awarded to Russians and foreign citizens for special merits in sthe field of developing culture, art, education, for substantial contribution in rapprochement and mutual cultural enrichment of nations and the people.