VAGIT ALEKPEROV, LUKOIL PRESIDENT, IS AWARDED WITH ‘FOR MERITS BEFORE FATHERLAND” OREDER OF IV DEGREE

Friday, October 28, 2005

Vladimir Putin, President of Russian Federation, presented “For merits before Fatherland” order of IV degree to Vagit Alekperov, President of LUKOIL, in Kremlin today. The head of the Company was distinguished with the high state award for a big contribution into the development of the fuel-energy complex.

“I view this award not only as a recognition of my personal contribution into the development of the oil industry but also as homage to the work of all the oilmen of our country. The success achieved by LUKOIL is mainly due to the high professionalism and hard work of the Company’s personnel. Being a manager, my task is to create conditions to the employees where they could open their potential to the maximum and direct their energy to obtaining the common aims. There may be many of such aims: development of new oil provinces, construction of modern refineries, building new export facilities, acquisition of assets abroad. They are united by one thing: striving for preservation and multiplication of Russia’s wealth”, Vagit Alekperov said at the awarding ceremony.