“Jamia Millia Islamia honors His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, a world renowned philanthropist, internationally acclaimed statesman and above all a man of high moral fabric and integrity, with the degree of Doctor of Letters,” said a citation read during the award ceremony at the university.

“India and Saudi Arabia have a historic relationship. There is a need to deepen education ties between the two countries,” said Prince Salman after receiving the degree from the university’s Vice Chancellor Najeeb Jung.

The governor referred to the age-old education relations between the two countries, adding that many Saudi scholars who studied in India returned to the Kingdom to hold important positions including those in the judiciary. “King Abdul Aziz used to praise those scholars,” he pointed out.

Prince Salman said Saudi Arabia was keen on boosting scientific ties with India. “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan are working with Indian officials to boost relations in all fields,” he told the ceremony.

He said Saudi universities are ready to cooperate with their Indian counterparts. “Imam Muhammad bin Saud University and Madinah Islamic University welcome cooperation with Jamia Millia,” he said and thanked Jamia Millia for giving him the honorary degree. “I have refused to accept such degrees from many universities in the past but today I am honored to receive it from this university,” he said.

In the citation, the university said: “Prince Salman’s acclaim as a highly respected figure and great philanthropist has transgressed the boundaries of the region. He is one of those few leaders who evoke passionate support at home and unswerving popularity outside.

“As the governor of Riyadh, he spearheaded the rapid transformation of the city of Riyadh from a mid-sized town into one of the most modern metropolis of the world. A recipient of the UN medal for his efforts leading to poverty eradication, Prince Salman accords great attention and care to humanitarian activities.

“With a deep commitment to education, Prince Salman has been instrumental in establishing many educational institutions of research and higher learning. He played a leading role in establishing the renowned Imam Muhammad bin Saud University. Indian educational institutions in Riyadh enjoy tremendous support and patronage from him,” the citation added.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said there was great potential for education, trade and industry ties between Saudi Arabia and India. Vice Chancellor Jung said: “Jamia Millia can contribute immensely to the development of higher education in Saudi Arabia.”

The ceremony was attended by Prince Faisal bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Research & Marketing Group, Prince Muhammad bin Salman, special adviser to the governor, Riyadh Mayor Prince Abdul Aziz Al-Muqrin, other princes and senior officials. Prince Salman later arrived in Mumbai and visited Mahatma Gandhi Museum.