BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday 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 said that in the course of bidding and preparing for the Games, the Chinese government and people received sincere help from governments and people of various countries, as well as strong support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family.

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

    "I also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the international community for the warm support and valuable assistance given to China in our rescue and relief efforts after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake," he said.

    "The Chinese people will remember forever the profound friendship of people throughout the world," he said.

    The Beijing Olympics will kick off on Friday evening. More than 80 state leaders and royals are here to attend the opening ceremony and related events.

    "The historic moment we have all been waiting for will soon arrive," Hu said. "On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I wish to extent a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests who have come to Beijing for the Games."

President: Beijing Olympics offer opportunity for both China and world

    BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday told international dignitaries coming for the Beijing Olympic Games that the Beijing Olympics is an opportunity for both China and the world.

    "The Beijing Olympic Games is an opportunity not only for China but also for the whole world," Hu said in his toast at a welcoming banquet for foreign leaders and other VIP guests who will attend the Games's opening ceremony on Friday evening, including IOC President Jacques Rogge and Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch.  Full story

President: Hosting Olympic Games "shared aspiration" of all Chinese

    BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- To host the Olympic Games is a century-old dream of the Chinese nation and the shared aspiration of all the Chinese people, said President Hu Jintao here on Friday.

    Hu made the remarks in his toast at a welcoming banquet for international dignitaries who have come to attend the Beijing Olympic Games' opening ceremony. Full story