The Netherlands has honoured Mr Nelson Mandela with a prestigious award for his lifetime campaign for freedom.
The 83-year-old received the Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedom Awardfrom Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok in a church in Middelburg.
The ceremony coincides with the 350th anniversary of relations between Holland and South Africa.
Queen Beatrix and Crown Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands also attended the ceremony where four prizes were also awarded.
The other recipients include the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty for freedom of speech and expression.
Dr Nasr H Abu Zayd, professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Leiden received an award for freedom of worship and Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, director-general of the World Health Organization for freedom from want
Mr Ernesto Zedilloalso recieved an award, former president of Mexico for freedom from fear.
The freedom medal was created by the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in 1950 to honor people and organizations whose work gave special meaning to freedom of speech and religion.
Previous recipients include Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama, former Israeli prime minister Mr Shimon Peres and former US presidents Mr John F Kennedy, Mr Harry Truman and Mr Jimmy Carter.
PA