CRI听力：Chinese President Hosts Pre-Olympic Banquet for Foreign Dignitaries

Earlier, Chinese President Hu Jintao thanked the international community for their support to the Beijing Olympics and their assistance to the country after the May 12 earthquake.

Addressing a welcoming luncheon in honor of world dignitaries who are here to attend the Olympic opening ceremony, Hu Jintao said Beijing Olympics is an opportunity for both China and the world.

Our reporter Lin Lin takes a closer look.

Reporter:

With ceremonial music playing in the background, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing stepped into the grand banqueting room of the Great Hall of the People together with over 100 foreign dignitaries and IOC president Jacques Rogge.

Addressing the banquet, President Hu Jintao said that the Chinese government and its public have received sincere help from numerous governments and countries, as well as strong support from the IOC and the Olympic Family in the course of bidding and preparing for the Games.

"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you and, through you, to all those who have contributed to the Beijing Olympic Games."

Hu Jintao noted that the Olympic Games is a great sporting event and offers a platform for cultural exchange.

He said the Olympics have united people from different parts of the world and enhanced understanding and friendship among them.

With the world facing challenges as well as opportunities, Hu Jintao pointed out that people today are in increasing need of tolerance and cooperation.

He placed special emphasis on the idea that the Beijing Olympics is not only an opportunity for China, but also for the rest of the world.

"We should carry forward the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace, facilitate sincere exchanges among people from all countries, deepen mutual understanding, enhance friendship and rise above differences, and promote the building of a harmonious world featuring lasting peace and common prosperity."

The president told the foreign guests that the Chinese government and its people have done their utmost in preparing for the Games, and have been working hard to honor their commitment from the moment Beijing won the bid in 2001. (Www.hxen.net)

"I am confident that, with the support of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Family, and together with you, we will deliver a fantastic Olympic Games of the highest possible standard."

China's outstanding work in preparing for the Olympics has also won praise from the international community. In previous press conferences, IOC President Jacques Rogge said Beijing organizers have finished all the preparation work, and all the measures they have taken to address concerns such as pollution have proved effective.

Lin Lin, CRI news.