BEIJING, April 16 -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President Lamine Diack here on Thursday ahead of the Beijing World Championships in August.

During the meeting with Diack and the board of the IAAF, Liu expressed appreciation on the IAAF's promotion of athletics and sport exchanges around the globe. She said the Chinese government encourages people to take part in athletics events.

Diack expressed full confidence that China will host a successful world championships.