The Italian government recognized his efforts in building relations between the two countries at a celebration at Al-Faisaliah Hotel on June 8.

The Italian ambassador to the Kingdom, Eugenio d’Auria, presented Al-Aiban with the award.

“The order of merit is the highest rank in Italy and is dated back to the Savoy House of Monarchy,” said the ambassador, adding that the order was issued through a decree signed by the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Al-Aiban expressed his gratitude to the Italian ambassador and his government for the honor.

He also referred to the strong relations tying both countries, which dates back to 1932 when Italy initiated the first diplomatic relations with the Kingdom.

Italy is also considered the sixth biggest economic partner for the Kingdom worldwide, noted Al-Aiban. Trade exchange between both countries exceeded $8.8 billion during 2009.

Al-Aiban referred to the Kingdom’s position and the level of respect it enjoys on both regional and international levels.  He attributed this to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s humanitarian and political initiatives to restore peace, justice and build bridges of tolerance and understanding between various nations.

The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic was founded as the senior order of knighthood by the second Italian President Luigi Einaudi in 1951.

The country’s highest ranking honor is awarded for “merit acquired by the nation” in the fields of literature, the arts, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic and humanitarian activities and for long and conspicuous service in civilian and military careers.