In Cairo this month, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak presented IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei with Egypt′s highest award for his distinguished record of service - the Greatest Nile Collar (or Nile Shas). The ceremony took place 7 February 2006 in the Presidential Palace in Cairo, and was attended by a large number of high ranking officials and dignitaries.

The Greatest Nile Collar is considered to be the highest of all Egyptian decorations and is granted exclusively to Heads of States, and to those who render great services to the nation and humanity. Dr. ElBaradei received the decoration in recognition of his winning the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize.

During his visit to Egypt, Dr. ElBaradei gave the commencement address at the American University in Cairo, which awarded him the Honorary Degree in Laws 9 February 2006. The lecture and honorary presentation took place during the university′s mid-year commencement ceremony at which more than 400 graduates were awarded degrees.