Following the document signing ceremony between the Presidents of Romania and Azerbaijan, the ceremony of presenting decorations of highest orders took place between Presidents Traian Băsescu and Ilham Aliyev.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said:

- Dear Mr. President!

Honorable friends!

Mr. President, You are being conferred the highest reward of the state of Azerbaijan – the “Heydar Aliyev” Order.

Romanian-Azerbaijan relations carry a strategic character and the document signed today reinstates this. You have rendered great services for development of these ties and the people of Azerbaijan know you very well. We cordially applaud your position on Azerbaijan.

Today, I confer this highest award upon You for the great services you have rendered for development of relations between the two states.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev presented the “Heydar Aliyev” Order to Romanian President Traian Băsescu.

President Traian Băsescu noted that they have adopted a decision to confer the “Faithful Service” National Order of Romania in Grand Cross rank to the Azerbaijani President. He added that this is the highest award given to the state leaders. Traian Băsescu put an emphasis on the fact that President Ilham Aliyev is the second leader to have ever received this order.

It should be noted that, during his visit to Romania in 2004, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was awarded with the high title of the country - the “Star of Romania” Order. According to the Romanian legislation, “Faithful Service” national order can only be conferred upon people, who have previously received the “Star of Romania” Order.

President Traian Băsescu presented the “Faithful Service” National Order in Grand Cross Rank to the President.