This came in a celebratory event held in New York on 19 May in which recipients of the award were honoured.

On 3 November, the Japanese government bestowed the Order of Rising Sun’s Gold and Silver Star unto Abdel-Aziz for his efforts during the autumn of 2021.

“It is really a great honour for me and my family to be standing here today in the presence of dignitaries, colleagues, friends, and members of our teams to receive this prestigious high-level decoration in recognition of my contributions as one of the co-organisers of the TICAD process, through which Japanese-African relations have been strengthened,” the observer said.

He also extended his appreciation to the Japanese government for this honour and recognition, particularly for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and former Premier Shinzo Abe, hailing both leaders’ role in pushing the partnership with Africa forward.

Abdel-Aziz went on to say that he is looking forward to the forthcoming TICAD that is scheduled to be hosted by Tunisia later this year with great anticipation.

“We all look forward to the leadership of H.E. Prime Minister Kishida in his new capacity along with H.E. President Kais Saied in the 2022 Tunisia Summit,” he said.

Furthermore, Abdel-Aziz congratulated Tareq Ladeb — permanent representative of Tunisia to the UN — who was a major player in advocating for Tunisia to host the event, stressing confidence that the summit will be crowned by success.

“This [success] will be added to the many achievements of Tunisia in the UN, including its just concluded successful membership of the Security Council, in which it represented the Arab world,” the ambassador said.

In his remarks, Abdel-Aziz also voiced his deep appreciation to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry for their decision to allow him to accept and carry the high-level order.

He also thanked Secretary-General of the AL Ahmed Aboul-Gheit for authorising him to receive the prestigious decoration while serving as the permanent observer of the league to the UN.

The Order of the Rising Sun is a high-level order awarded by the Japanese Emperor in recognition of distinguished achievements and meritorious service.

Created in 1875, the Order of the Rising Sun was Japan’s first national decoration.