Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh region, was awarded an honorary doctorate by Jamia Millia Islamia University here, for his role in supporting and promoting humanitarian projects. In his speech at the ceremony Wednesday, Prince Salman said Jamia Millia was one of the most reputable universities in India. He said he had declined honorary doctorate degrees from several universities in the past, but had accepted it from Jamia Millia. He said he accepted the award on behalf of the Kingdom and its people. Prince Salman called for increasing cooperation between Jamia Millia Islamia University, Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University in Riyadh and the Islamic University in Madina. “A number of Saudi Ulema (religious scholars) studied in India in the field of the judiciary. They have become judges and have made positive contributions in the field.” Prince Salman also highlighted the close relations between the Kingdom and India. He pointed out that these ties date back a hundred years. He said the Kingdom's leadership is keen to develop and strengthen relations in all fields. Professor Najib Jung, Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, welcomed Prince Salman's visit to the university. He said it was an important event considering the Emir's role in promoting humanitarian projects. “Awarding Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, the Emir of Riyadh, an honorary doctorate degree is in appreciation of his role and efforts in supporting humanitarian and social projects.” Jung said the university has a reputable standing worldwide and grants numerous diplomas and post-graduate degrees in the field of information technology. He said the recent visit by the Indian prime minister to the Kingdom was a boost for the strategic partnership between the two countries. In his speech, Professor Sajid Khan of the Jamia Millia stressed that Prince Salman's reputation for humanitarian projects had extended beyond the borders of the Kingdom. He said Prince Salman has played a pioneering role as the Emir of Riyadh in building and constructing the Saudi capital into one of the most modern cities in the world. He said Prince Salman attached great importance to charitable activities and has won the appreciation of the international community. He has contributed to relief efforts for victims of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, said Khan. In her speech, Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of New Delhi, expressed her happiness over Prince Salman's visit to the Indian capital. She confirmed that Jamia Millia provides degrees in different fields including medicine, engineering, social and human sciences, languages, law and technology. Several research centers are affiliated to the university. These include the research center for information and telecommunications and the academy for studies on developing countries. The ceremony was attended by the official delegation accompanying the Emir, deans of faculties and professors of the university. Prince Salman traveled later Wednesday to Mumbai where he would attend a dinner in his honor before departing Thursday for a two-day official visit to the Maldives. The Jamia Millia Islamia University had also awarded King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, an honorary doctorate degree during his visit in 2006.
