Dilma Rousseff is honored in China with the highest national honor

This Sunday (29), during a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the former president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, was awarded the Friendship Medal of the People’s Republic of China. The honor was presented by President Xi Jinping, who led the event as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, highlighting the importance of heroes and role models in the nation’s advancement. Dilma was the only foreign laureate in this edition of the ceremony.

“I feel very honored and proud to receive the Friendship Medal from a country that has an ancient history and that today has achieved such important achievements”, said the president of the New Development Bank (NBD), the BRICS Bank, according to state news agency Xinhua. “Hardly at any time in the past a country managed to transform itself into the second largest economy in the world in 75 years, the country that managed to raise the educational level of its people to compete with the levels of developed countries, (the country) that leads today in science and technology and the application of innovations in all fields and areas, specifically in industry”, added the former Brazilian president.

Dilma Rousseff, president of Brazil between 2011 and 2016, was recognized for her contributions to strengthening ties between Brazil and China, two emerging giants in global politics and economics. The Friendship Medal is one of the highest distinctions granted to foreign citizens by China, honoring those who, over the years, have promoted and cultivated friendship and international cooperation with the Asian country.

During his speech, President Xi Jinping praised Dilma, as well as other honored heroes, highlighting the fundamental role that international leaders and figures play in building an interconnected world. He highlighted the importance of global partnerships for development and stressed that friendship between nations is a pillar for peace and progress.

“Great eras produce great heroes, and when heroes emerge, both the Party and the cause of the people prosper,” declared Xi Jinping to an audience of around 1,000 people, including senior Chinese officials, military leaders, academics and citizens. “Over the past 75 years, there have been many old and good friends in the world who share the same aspirations and stand together with the Chinese people through thick and thin; Mrs. Dilma Rousseff (…) is a notable representative among them.” The ceremony marked a moment of reflection on the 75 years of achievements of the People’s Republic of China, with emphasis on the country’s rapid economic growth and social stability.

China’s recognition of Dilma Rousseff reflects the mutual respect between the two countries, which have consolidated their diplomatic and economic relations in recent decades. During her term, Dilma worked to bring Brazil and China closer together, both politically and commercially. Under his leadership, Brazil became strongly engaged in BRICS, a group of emerging economies that includes China, Russia, India and South Africa, promoting strategic cooperation and multilateral agreements.

Dilma, now president of the New BRICS Development Bank, based in Shanghai continues to play an important role on the global stage. China’s honor reinforces its status as one of the main figures in promoting international alliances aimed at sustainable development and building a more equitable future.

Xi Jinping, in his speech, expressed gratitude to those who helped China rise on the international stage, mentioning Dilma as a long-time friend who shared China’s trajectory of growth and resilience. He stressed that China’s staunch friends will never be forgotten by the Chinese people and that the country is committed to working together with partner nations to achieve global peace and progress.

At the end of the ceremony, Dilma expressed her gratitude for the award and reinforced her commitment to strengthening Sino-Brazilian relations and the search for a fairer and more balanced world. “China’s commitment to reform and opening up has not only allowed hundreds of millions of people to be lifted out of poverty, but has also contributed significantly to global economic growth and stability,” said Dilma.

Dilma is the second Latin American to receive the medal, after former Cuban president Raúl Castro. In August, Brazil and China celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The tributes included military personnel, scientists, cultural and health workers. At 93 years old, Huang Zongde was remembered for his participation in the revolution that triumphed in 1949 – known in China as the Liberation War. He was also in the resistance against US aggression in Korea.