Liu Qi thanks the worldwide community for continued support

　　(ATHENS, March 24) -- On the day of the Torch Lighting Ceremony for the Beijing Olympic Games, 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) met with Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

　　On behalf of Chinese president Hu Jintao, Chinese vice-president Xi Jinping, and Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, Liu warmly greeted the IOC president, thanking Rogge for his continued support of the Beijing Olympics. Reflecting on China's preparations for the Games, Liu expressed thankfulness for the cooperation offered by the world community, remarking that the Chinese people will ensure the successful hosting of the Olympic Games.

　　In turn, Rogge thanked the Chinese leaders and spoke of his sincere belief in China's successful hosting of the 2008 Olympics. Rogge emphasized that the cooperation between BOCOG, IOC, and the coordination commission would continue, as would their support and friendship. Rogge continued by remarking that the Olympics were not only a stage for the display of excellent sportsmanship, but also a platform for the fostering of peaceful friendships and understanding, where athletes all around the world may share in the Olympic spirit.

　　Also present were Vice-Mayor of Beijing and BOCOG Executive Vice-President Liu Jingmin, Executive Vice-President and Secretary General of BOCOG Wang Wei, Chinese ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan, and Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the Games of the 29th Olympiad.