Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak was conferred the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding by President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi on Tuesday, around 13 years after it was announced.

Mubarak was honoured for his "unique role in providing stability and progress to his country, in upholding the Arab cause, in promoting peace and understanding in the region".

The award, which carries Rs 25 lakh in cash and a citation, was conferred at a glittering function attended by Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, his senior cabinet colleagues among others.

"President Mubarak's unflinching commitment to peace as a considered choice for the West Asian region is well recognised," Patil said.

"India values the contribution of President Mubarak to the efforts of non-aligned and other developing nations for peace, justice and equality in the world," she said.

Accepting the award, Mubarak recalled that the Indo-Egyptian ties went back to the Nehru-Nasser era, which saw the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement.

"It is a real honour to receive an award named after this great leader, and I shall always cherish its value, significance and meaning," he said.

Mubarak said in the face of varied challenges from the economic crisis to international terrorism "the need is greater than ever to further enhance our relations and strengthen our partnership".

The Award is being given away annually since 1965 for outstanding contribution to the promotion of international understanding, goodwill and friendship among peoples of the world