Omani Sultan to be conferred Jawaharlal Nehru award, 2004

New Delhi, Jan 18 (UNI) The Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding for 2004 will be conferred on the Omani King, Sultan Qaboos bin Taimour al Said, for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of international understanding, goodwill and friendship among people worldwide.

An External Affairs Ministry spokesman said here today that the Sultan had emerged as leader who is much loved and admired not only by his own people, but also by the entire region.

''He had helped Oman establish close relations with many countries including India,'' the spokesman said.

The award, carrying Rs 25 lakh in cash and a citation, was instituted in 1965 as a tribute to the memory of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his life-long dedication to the cause of world peace and international understanding.

Some previous recipients have been Singapore leader Goh Chok Tong (2003), Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Su Kyi (1993), former German Chancellor Helmudt Kohl (1990), Yasser Arafat (1988), Nelson Mandela (1979), Mother Teresa (1969) and Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan (1967).

The award is administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

UNI