Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Five distinguished Arabs were among the 117 foreigners (non Japanese) from 57 countries and regions recognized by the Japanese government in this year's Imperial spring decorations for their notable contributions to relations with Japan.

Tunisia's Mohamed Moncef Harrabi (74), former Tunisian National Agriculture Research Institute Director, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contribution to the promotion of academic exchanges between Japan and Tunisia in the field of agriculture and for the promotion of technological cooperation, the Japanese government said in a statement on the awards.

From Iraq, Kheder Kareem Mohammed (63), former Halabja Mayor and Vice Chairman of Mayors for Peace, was honored with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for his contributions to the exchanges of local governments between Japan and Iraq and promoting mutual understanding.

Francois Saade (66), Lebanon's Judo Federation Chairman was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays. He contributed to the promotion of Judo in Lebanon and for the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Lebanon.

Algeria's Mohamed Ali Haroun (93), former consulting lawyer of the Japanese Embassy in Algeria, was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. He contributed to the backup of Japanese nationals and the Japanese diplomatic missions in activities.

The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays was awarded to Saadia Bourrich (66) from Morocco. She is former staff of the Japanese Embassy in Morocco and was honored "for her contributions to the Japanese diplomatic missions abroad activities."

The list includes 4,181 Japanese citizens, but the award ceremony, which was to be held in May at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, has been postponed due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the government statement said.