Former Secretary-general of the United Nations (U.N.) Boutros Boutros Ghali was awarded an honorary doctorate on May 6 by Nanjing University in east China's Jiangsu Province.

Boutros Ghali was elected the 6th secretary-general of the UN in 1991, the first from an African country.

Boutros Ghali, a former professor with Cairo University, is an expert on international law and international relations. He has published more than 100 books on international politics and economic affairs.

At the awards ceremony, Ghali said that he felt very proud to receive the doctorate from Nanjing University.

He also noted China's fast economic development in recent years, saying it would further contribute to the establishment of a multi-polar and fair international community.

Nanjing University is one of the most prestigious higher-education institutions in China, and this year celebrates its centenary.

(People's Daily May 7, 2002)