Off the wire
• Egypt' s Zamalek advance to ACL group stage  • Algeria' s ES Setif book ALC group stage spot  • 2nd LD: Death toll in Ecuador earthquake climbs to 480, survivors found  • Morocco, Germany agree to promote investment in renewable energy  • Roundup: Finnish gov't encourages entrepreneurship, cuts back unemployment benefits  • U.S. stocks end mixed amid earnings reports  • Chris Brown to open Africa's top music festival in May  • Chicago grains, soybeans sharply higher amid rising weather concerns  • U.S. condemns Kabul terrorist attack  • Pakistan "gravely concerned" over emerging trends to legalize use of illicit drugs  
You are here: 　 Home

Ban Ki-moon gets royal Dutch honor

Xinhua, April 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon received a high Dutch royal honor on Tuesday in The Hague.

Ban was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. At a ceremony in The Hague, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders handed Ban the honor on behalf of the Dutch government.

"You have worked tirelessly for peace, security, justice and development in the world," said Koenders in his speech.

"You have been the voice of people affected by natural disasters, discrimination, conflict and inequality," added Koenders.

According to the Dutch government, Ban has worked hard to prevent and resolve conflicts, has taken the initiative for the renewal of peace missions and has fought for human rights.

The Order of the Netherlands Lion is a high order of chivalry of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It has existed since 1815 and has previously been given to eminent individuals from all walks of life.

In 2006, Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion as well. Endit