Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (L) awards the Order of Friendship to Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, during a ceremony at the Gorki presidential residence outside Moscow, Nov 22, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW - Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday awarded the Order of Friendship to the president of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge for popularizing sports in Russia.

The IOC chief is in Russia to attend the annual general assembly of European Olympic Committees, which is scheduled on Friday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, the venue for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

"Under your supervision for the last ten years, the Olympic competitions have been improved. The entire Olympic movement has received new boost," Medvedev told Rogge.

He also praised Rogge's achievements in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs as well as increasing cooperation between states and organizations in the sports events.

"We have been preparing for the Olympics in Sochi and I have no doubts it will be a successful work and marvelous Olympics," Medvedev said.

Medvedev also awarded the Order of Friendship to the presidents of International Weightlifting Federation, of International Association of Athletics Federations and of International Ice Hockey Federation.

Russia won the bids to host a serial of international sports events, including the 2014 Winter Olympics, the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 World University Games in Kazan.