NEW DELHI: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was on Tuesday conferred the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for his “unique role in providing stability and progress to his country, in upholding the Arab cause, in promoting peace and understanding in the region.”

Mr. Mubarak is being given the 1995 award only now as attempts to arrange for his bilateral visit did not materialise on three occasions.

Presenting the award, President Pratibha Patil said, “President Mubarak’s unflinching commitment to peace as a considered choice for the West Asian region is well recognised.”

“India values the contribution of President Mubarak to the efforts of non-aligned and other developing nations for peace, justice and equality in the world,” she added.

The award was given at a function which was also attended by Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and several of his senior Cabinet colleagues.

Accepting the award, Mr. Mubarak invoked the close ties between the two countries during the Nehru-Nasser era and said it was a “real honour to receive an award named after this great leader.” He assured that he would always “cherish its value, significance and meaning.”

With the world having to face up to the challenges of terrorism and the financial crises, “the need is greater than ever to further enhance our relations and strengthen our partnership.”

The government instituted the award in 1965 as a tribute to the memory of India’s first Prime Minister and his lifelong dedication to the cause of world peace and international understanding.

Previous winners included the former U.N. Secretary-General U. Thant; Nelson Mandela; Mother Teresa; Julius Nyrere; Alva and Gunnar Myrdal (jointly); Wangari Maathai; Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.

The award includes a plaque, citation and Rs.25 lakh as prize money.

The Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al Said, who was named in 2004, is the only other dignitary yet to receive it.

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