Ricky Martin, a Latin singing sensation from Puerto Rico, became a "friendship envoy" of China's largest city Shanghai on Monday.

At a news conference held in China's highest building Jinmao Tower, the black-clad Martin received a "golden key" to the city from Yang Xiaodu, vice major of Shanghai.

Martin said at the conference that as Shanghai's friendship envoy, he would try his best to introduce Shanghai to the world.

In order to improve foreigners' understanding of Shanghai and upgrade the city's international image, the local government has carried out a campaign called "Superstars in Shanghai", according to Jiao Yang, spokesman of Shanghai's municipal government.

Considering his outstanding achievements in his field and his ardor in common people's affairs, Martin became the first foreign superstar to be invited.

Martin arrived in Shanghai Monday noon. He will leave Shanghai for Singapore on Wednesday.

Chinese people became familiar with Ricky Martin when his song "The Cup of Life" became a hit at the France World Cup in 1998.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2003)