"I`m proud to receive this honorary degree."Quito (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was awarded a Quito honorary resident while paying a state visit in Ecuador on Saturday.
Quito major Augusto Barrera on Saturday local time (Sunday in Jakarta time), handed " key" of town that lies at the foot of the Andes mountain to President Yudhoyono.
"I`m proud to receive this honorary degree, a degree that I have never thought before. And this is a sweet surprise for me and the people of Indonesia," Yudhoyono said in his speech.
The President wished this award can strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Ecuador.
"Hopefully, this will strengthen the friendship the two nations and our country is more in harmony and mutual respect in the future."
Beside, receive "key" of city, President also got a silver bird pin which is the symbol of the City of Quito.
After the ceremony an honorary citizen, the President later witnessed the two traditional dances of Ecuador.
Quito is located geographically in the valley of Mount Pichincha, an active volcano in the Andes. The city is located at an altitude of 2850 meters above sea level, which puts a capital Quito the second highest in the world after La Paz, Bolivia.
(T.I025/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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