The artist, Heba Enayaf, studied fine arts in China from 1956 to 1961 together with his wife Tomader Torky. Both were among the first group of Egyptians sent to study in China after the two countries forged diplomatic ties.

Since 1989, he has visited China six times, promoting the establishment of formal relations between the Egyptian Solidarity Committee and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), and organizing and participating in the four dialogues between the parties.

In the past 40-plus years, Enayaf has paid keen attention to China's development and never stopped introducing it to his fellow Egyptians through articles and photographic exhibitions.

"China is another home to me. If anybody could have two motherlands, I would choose Egypt and China," Enayaf said.

Chen Haosu, president of the CPAFFC which conferred the honor, said Enayaf is the first Arab to receive the title and really deserves it.

"We urge more Arabs to work like Mr. Enayaf with us to create a better future for Sino-Arabian exchanges and cooperation," he said.

An exhibition of the couple's works was also opened in their Alma Mater, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, on Wednesday.

Magdy Amer, Egypt's charge d'affairs in China, said the title and exhibition signal the deep friendship between Egypt and China, adding a China cultural week will be staged in Cairo next month.

All these events highlight the rapid growth in China-Egypt relations, including their cultural ties, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2002)