Nirj Deva, a British member of European Parliament, said Thursday he expected "an excellent and world-class" Olymbics as he was to set out for the opening ceremony of the sports event Friday in Beijing.

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics has significant history value, Deva, chairman of the EU-China Friendship Group in the European Parliament, told Xinhua in a written interview, adding that he was very delighted to take part to share the special moment with other honorable state heads and politicians.

"The year 2008 is the first time the Olympics have been held in a developing country...As an Asian born British politician, I am very proud for the Asian continent," said Deva who was born in Sri Lanka.

On the preparations for the Olympics, Deva noted that China has prepared well on many aspects such as energy and water supply, traffic, environment and air quality improvement, food, medics, hotel rooms supply, tourism aid, security and anti-terrorism.

China, in particular, has invested a lot to improve environment and air quality, the European politician said, "what is special and unique is, to establish the even-odd ban on vehicles based on license plate numbers" to greatly reduce traffic jams and mitigate air pollution.

The Olympics, as one of the greatest international events that transcends the borders of regions, cultures, religions, languages, races, and classes, offer a great opportunity to increase the friendship between Chinese people and peoples of the rest of the world.

"The young and the old of many countries will see China for the first time, experiencing its development, culture, food and its friendly, charming people," Deva told Xinhua.

Also, through the participation of the world, China and the Chinese people will learn and understand better the culture, diversity and customs of other nations, he added.

Talking about the Olympic Games' impact on China, Deva said holding such an event will certainly boost economic development, "not only at the national level but also at the international level."

"It is an enormous opportunity for China to open up to the world and be truly global," he added.

The "One World, One Dream" slogan of the Beijing Olympics showed the understanding of the 1.3 billion Chinese people of the Olympic Movement: "Hope and Dream", "Peace and Friendship", "Contribution and Joy" and "Participation and Fair Competition", Deva said.

The slogan is "the appeal from China to the world," he said, "This is the expectation, the Chinese people are expressing to the world population, to build together a harmonious society, a harmonious world and peaceful earth."

Source:Xinhua