Chinese President Meets Samaranch

Chinese President Meets Samaranch

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Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Sunday night in Moscow that China welcomes friends from all over the world to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, which he said will surely be a success.

Jiang, who arrived here Sunday for a state visit to Russia, made the remarks during a meeting with Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Jiang said he and the entire Chinese nation were overwhelmed with joy when the news broke Friday that Beijing was awarded the right to host the 2008 summer Olympics.

He thanked the Chinese people and the IOC for their support of Beijing's bid and said he is convinced Beijing will be capable of making the 2008 Olympiad a success.

Samaranch said he also feels glad that Beijing will host the 2008 Olympic Games.

He said it was a relief for him to see Beijing's successful bid within his term of IOC presidency because China, as the most populous country in the world, has always supported the Olympic movement.

To host the Olympiad is not only important for China, but also important for the IOC, he said. He expressed his belief that Beijing will demonstrate excellent organizing capabilities, and make the 2008 Olympic Games a best in history.