GWANGJU, South Korea, July 15 (Xinhua) -- FINA President Julio C. Maglione received an honorary doctorate degree on Monday in South Korea, host country of the ongoing 18th FINA World Championships.

Maglione received the doctorate degree in business administration from Honam University in Gwangju, some 330km south of the country's capital Seoul, for his "decisive role in the promotion of international relations through sport."

Attending the awards ceremony was Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-sup, also chairman of the 18th FINA worlds' organizing committee.

"As FINA president, I humbly accept this award on behalf of the entire FINA family. I understand this is also proof of recognition for the outstanding work and commitment of our 209 member federations across the five continents," said Maglione.

"Dr. Maglione has devoted himself to the promotion of global health and welfare, and has committed to the development of international sporting events. He has made an enormous contribution to world peace and the prosperity of humanity through sporting movements across the world," said university president Park Sang-cheol.

Elected FINA president in 2009, Maglione is an honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).