BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Sunday addressed a ceremony held to award the highest state honors ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Before his speech, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented the Medal of the Republic, the Friendship Medal, and medals of national honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi extends congratulations to recipients of China's highest state honors

Xi extended warm congratulations and high respects to recipients of China's highest state honors ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Xi: CPC leads Chinese nation in creating two miracles over past 75 years

Xi said that over the past 75 years the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in creating the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Xi hailed the earthshaking changes that have taken place in China and said national rejuvenation is now on an irreversible historical course.

Xi calls for forming mighty force to build strong China

Xi called on the Chinese people to learn from heroes and role models to form a mighty force to build a strong China.

Xi says great times call for heroes

Xi said great times call for heroes and foster heroes.

A galaxy of heroes emerging generation after generation will ensure the lasting prosperity of the Party and the people's cause, Xi said.

Xi says Chinese people will never forget international friends

Xi said the Chinese people will never forget international friends who have made prominent contributions to China's development and the friendship between Chinese and foreign peoples.

Xi lauded Dilma Rousseff, recipient of the Friendship Medal, as an outstanding representative of China's old friends and good friends who have shared the same aspirations and stood together with the Chinese people over the past 75 years.

Xi reiterates China's commitment to safeguarding world peace, boosting common development

Xi said Chinese people stand ready to work together with people of various countries to safeguard world peace and boost common development.

Xi called for joint efforts to build a human community with a shared future and create an even brighter future for humanity.