President Xi Jinping presented the Friendship Medal to Dilma Rousseff, former Brazilian president and president of the New Development Bank, on Sunday, ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

President Xi, also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, conferred the highest state honor for foreigners at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. 

The medal is awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive, promoted exchanges and cooperation between China and the world, and safeguarded world peace.

The medal testifies to the strong and friendly ties between the two countries and the two peoples, Rousseff said while delivering a speech at the ceremony.

Rousseff has placed great importance on Brazil-China relations, and during her tenure she promoted Brazil to become the first Latin American and Caribbean country to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with China.

Noting China's remarkable economic and technological development in recent decades, she said China has risen to become a global power, a beacon of hope and an inspiration to the world.

Rousseff added that China has made unremitting efforts in addressing major global challenges such as climate change and maintaining peace and security, adding that China is a true champion and supporter of multilateralism and promoter of international cooperation.

Noting the establishment of the New Development Bank under the joint efforts of China and Brazil in 2014, Rousseff said she will continue to try her best to promote the development of bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.