Portugal's President Anibal Cavaco Silva has endorsed a citation to issue a state medal to Zhou Hongze, former president of the Overseas Chinese Association in Portugal, honoring his positive contribution to the progress of the China-Portugal friendly exchanges.

The 77-year-old Zhou, who has resided in Portugal for 50 years, received the medal Friday from the president's special representative and became the first Chinese to receive such an honor in Portugal.

More than 100 representatives from Portugal's political, commercial and business circles attended the awarding ceremony held in Portugal's north region.

After receiving the medal, Zhou said it was not only his personal honor, but the pride of all the Chinese people living in Portugal.

Gao Kexiang, the Chinese ambassador to Portugal, sent a congratulatory letter to Zhou, highlighting his active promotion of the commercial and personnel exchanges between the two countries and outstanding contribution to the development of overseas Chinese groups.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2008)