Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah received an honorary doctorate degree in politics and international relations from the International Islamic University (IIU) in Islamabad on Saturday.

The king received the honor in recognition of his outstanding role in promoting global peace and stability.

Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain presented the degree to Sulaiman Abalkhail, president of Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, who received it on the king’s behalf.

Senior Pakistani ministers and Saudi Ambassador Abdul Aziz Al-Ghadeer to Islamabad attended the ceremony.

Speaking with reporters, the Pakistani president commended King Abdullah’s pioneering role in reinforcing peace and stability across the world.

“King Abdullah is a symbol of global peace and harmony,” he said.

The Pakistani president praised the Saudi government’s services to pilgrims who visit the Kingdom for performing the Haj and Umrah pilgrimage.

“I am honored to present this degree to King Abdullah,” he said, adding that the Pakistani people hold the king in high esteem.

Abalkhail said: “King Abdullah is deserving of the honorary degree and has received several degrees, medals and prizes in the past.”

He said the king’s efforts in the service of Islam and Muslims around the world.