LISBON, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Tuesday expressed his condolences to the death of Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and praised the late ruler as "great statesman" and "faithful friend of Portugal".
In a message of condolences sent to the current Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, according to the official website of the Portuguese Presidency, Rebelo de Sousa recalled Jean's strong connection to Portugal and the role he played in his reign.
Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, who ruled the country for 36 years, died at the age of 98, Grand Duke Henri announced in a message released on Tuesday morning.
Born on Jan. 5, 1921, Jean of Luxembourg ruled from 1964 to 2000, when he abdicated in favor of his son Henri, current ruler of the small state.
Rebelo de Sousa called Jean "as a great statesman, but also as a soldier for freedom during World War II".
Grand Duke Jean was a soldier of the British Army during World War II and participated in the landing of Normandy.
