The Brazilian government on Friday granted a highest-level award for foreign citizens -- the National Order of the Southern Cross -- to Argentine President Cristina Kirchner for her contribution to regional integration and other merits.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff awarded the medal to her Argentine counterpart at a luncheon in honor of foreign presidents in the Palace of Itamaraty during the ongoing 48th Mercosur Summit in Brasilia.

Calling Kirchner a "dear friend," Rousseff highlighted the Argentine president's contribution to regional integration and defense of the rights of Latin American people, and strong leadership in the country.

During a plenary session of the summit, Rousseff mentioned that this is the last summit which Kirchner attends as a head of state, as she will finish her second presidential mandate at the end of this year.

The two leaders will hold a meeting to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries at the Alvorada Palace, the official residence of the Brazilian president.