French ex-president Chirac given Russian award

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Former French President Jacques Chirac received an award from Russia on Thursday for his contribution to promoting Russian culture.

Chirac was the only foreigner among nine figures from the worlds of science and culture to receive the State Award from President Dmitry Medvedev.

Medvedev said Chirac -- who as a young man translated Russian poet Alexander Pushkin's verse novel "Eugene Onegin" into French -- was "capable of bringing people together from different nationalities".

"His interest in Russian culture has had a positive impact on developing the relationship between our countries," Medvedev told an audience of prominent Russian film directors, artists, businessmen and ministers.

Medvedev also said Chirac "is well known for his great personal contribution to the integration process in Europe".

As French president until 2007, Chirac built a warm relationship with his then Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, which was credited with helping French firms make major investments in Russia.

"Together, Russia and the European Union should build and develop a European continent," Chirac said after thanking Medvedev for the award.

He also praised the "beautiful" Russian language by quoting the 19th century Russian poet Fyodr Tyutchev.

Winners of the State Award, which was presented on Russia's independence day, receive a 5 million rouble ($211,200) cash prize.

(Reporting by Amie Ferris-Rotman)