OREANDA-NEWS. February 24, 2012. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev presented state awards to foreign citizens for their outstanding contributions to the development of cooperation and the strengthening of cultural ties with Russia. The awards ceremony took place, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

The Order of Friendship was awarded to partners of Russian Railways for their part in the project to develop high-speed passenger services in Russia, including Mikael Aro, Chairman of the Board at VR Group Ltd, Antti Jaatinen, Senior Vice President, Passenger Services at VR-Group Ltd. and Peter Loscher, President and CEO of Siemens AG.
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In 2009, the high-speed Sapsan train began regular services between Moscow and St. Petersburg. In July 2010 - between Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod. Siemens supplies the high-speed Sapsan trains and also carries out their maintenance.

In December 2010, the high-speed Allegro train (the joint project of Russian Railways and VR Group) began regular services between St. Petersburg and Helsinki.