Riyadh, Sep 15 (IANS): Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been conferred an honorary doctorate by a Riyadh-based university for his efforts in promoting international relations, world peace, and security.

Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University's (IMSIU) rector Suleiman Aba Al-Khail in a press conference said King Abdullah has dedicated a big portion of his life to serve the cause of global peace, security and opened the door for cultural dialogue and understanding.

"The king has made remarkable efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms and sources, as well as gave sincere and heartfelt calls for international peace, security and promotion of interfaith dialogue," Arab Press quoted Suleiman Aba Al-Khail as saying Sunday.

”Granting such prestigious awards to the king reflects the university’s strong belief in his leadership in the service of international relations and achieving peace and security in the world,” he added.

King Abdullah recently received a similar award from Cairo-based Al-Azhar University, one of the most reputed educational institutions in the Islamic and Arab world.