Greek president expresses full support for Beijing Olympic Games

　　(ATHENS, March 24) -- Greek President Karolos Papoulias met with Liu Qi, secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China and president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG) in Ancient Olympia on Monday.

　　At the meeting, Papoulias asked Liu to give his warm regards to Chinese President Hu Jintao, as well as other leaders of China. As Monday saw the successful Torch Lighting Ceremony signaling the start of the 2008 Olympics and representing unity, harmony, and peace, Papoulias spoke of the connection between the two ancient countries. The Greek president told those present of his belief that the Olympic Games would be successfully hosted by China, because of the undeniable support of 1.3 billion Chinese citizens. Papoulias also emphasized that the Beijing Olympic Games have the full support of the Greek government and people.

　　In turn, Liu Qi gave Papoulias regards from Chinese President Hu. Liu remarked that Monday's Torch Lighting Ceremony in Olympia represented the friendship between the Greek and Chinese peoples, as the sacred flame was lit in Greece and transferred to Chinese hands. He expressed deep and sincere gratitude for the support of the Greek nation, and articulated the wish to continue to foster the friendship between China and Greece.

　　Liu explained that preparations for the Olympics, with the unfaltering support of the Chinese government and people, are continually progressing. The Olympic spirit has infiltrated the hearts of all of Chinese citizens.

　　Also present at the meeting were Greek Culture Minister Michalis Liapis; Greek Tourism Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos; Ancient Olympia Mayor George Aidonis; member of Standing Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee Li Shixiang; Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of BOCOG Wang Wei; Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei; and Chinese ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan.