Order of Friendship

The Order of Friendship (Řád přátelství) was a Czechoslovak state decoration (order) intended for citizens of foreign countries who had established, strengthened, or reinforced friendly relations with the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. It was awarded by the president of the republic. It was established in 1976, and its presentation was discontinued in 1990.

The badge of the order took the form of a five-pointed star with inter-beams and ribbing, and with faceted Bohemian garnets at its points. The suspension clasp bore the monogram ČSSR. The ribbon was red, with a central stripe alternating the national colors of red, white, and blue. The ribbon bar worn on the uniform had a Bohemian garnet on its left side.

The order was awarded 96 times, first in 1978 to Luís Carlos Prestes and last in 1989 to Roald Piskoppel. In addition to individuals, it could also be awarded to institutions, such as the Society for Soviet-Czechoslovak Friendship. Its presentation in various parts of the world made it a phaleristic rarity.