Director General Receives Mexico's Highest Honor for Foreigners
Geneva, June 22, 2005
Press Releases PR/2005/410
The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, was presented on Wednesday June 22, 2005 with Mexico's highest distinction for foreigners, the decoration of the Aztec Eagle (Orden de Aguila Azteca), for assisting in the promotion of economic development in Mexico through an intellectual property culture. This decoration was established as an award to foreign heads of state, foreign diplomats, and other foreigners who have rendered distinguished service to the Republic of Mexico.
The decoration was presented to Dr. Idris by Mexico's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Luis Alfonso de Alba, on behalf of President Vicente Fox. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials and diplomats, including Mr. Badreldeen Suleiman, Presidential Adviser, Sudan, Mr. Mohamed Elhaj, Ambassador of Sudan and Mr. Jorge Amigo-Castañeda, Director General of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI).
In presenting the decoration to Dr. Idris, Ambassador de Alba said "Mexico recognizes the contributions of foreign citizens in building the Mexican nation." He described Dr. Idris as "a visionary man who has directed WIPO in benefit of both developed and developing countries." The Ambassador said that the Director General "has raised awareness of the importance of intellectual property rights as a tool for development that has played a major role in fostering cooperation, assistance and training in the field."
Ambassador de Alba said that his country had benefited from the leadership of Dr. Idris. He said Dr. Idris' commitment to a culture of intellectual property has strengthened the relationship between WIPO and Mexico's intellectual property institutions. "This relationship has increased economic growth and development for Mexico and in recognition of his endeavors, it is my distinct privilege to confer to his Excellency Mr. Kamil Idris the decoration of the Aztec Eagle, in grade of Band, bestowed upon him by Mr. Vicente Fox, President of Mexico."
Dr. Idris said he was personally "deeply honored and privileged" to received this award, noting that it was also an honor for WIPO and its staff and the international intellectual property community. He applauded the government of Mexico, and in particular the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), for the steps and measures it had put in place "to make the intellectual property system responsive to national needs and global requirements."
"In expressing my profound thanks for this impressive award, I would like to reiterate my commitment and that of this Organization and its staff, to the pursuit of international cooperation in the field of intellectual property," the Director General said.
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