Scene of the meeting
(BEIJING, Sept. 19) -- The 2008 Olympic Games will help strengthen cooperation between China and the rest of the world, boost peace and build a harmonious world, BOCOG President Liu Qi told diplomatic envoys of over 110 countries in Beijing Tuesday.
Liu, also member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee and secretary of Beijing Municipal CPC Committee, made the remarks at the first Olympic briefing targeting foreign diplomats in Beijing.
On behalf of The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), Liu extended greetings to the envoys and expressed his sincere gratitude for their support to the Games.
"One world One Dream," the theme slogan of the 2008 Games, fully reflects the spirit of the Games -- to further world peace and development and to share the joy and happiness in the peace and friendship through the staging of the Games, Liu said.
He stressed that the Olympic preparatory work has been making smooth progress.
All competition venues will be completed by the end of 2007. Qingdao's sailing facility and the softball venue in Beijing underwent test events in terms of venue construction and sport organization through the 2006 Qingdao International Regatta and ISF XI Women's Fast Pitch World Championship.
Whilst the Olympic marketing is in full swing, options for Olympic torch relay and opening ceremonies are being designed. The volunteer program for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games was launched, attracting more than 100,000 applicants. In a word, conditions became riper for a successful Olympiad.
Liu pledged that BOCOG will provide first-class service for the athletes, foreign media and guests attending the Olympics. BOCOG will stick to three principles to continuously improve service items, content, and approaches. First, BOCOG will abide by the rules and conventions of the International Olympic Committee; second, it will treat all parties equally and by the same standard; third, BOCOG will respect individuality and pay attention to details.
BOCOG will provide excellent service for the participants from national and regional Olympic committees and athletes from everywhere. BOCOG will offer facility, effective service and courteous reception for international VIPs, including heads of states and governments, and royal members in the areas of protocol, registration, transportation, accommodation, ticketing, and security in line with international practices.
As of the media, Liu said, the Chinese government has been formulating related policies to make arrangements facilitating media reporting of the Olympics, in line with Olympic practices and Chinese government's commitment in this regard. "We are fulfilling our commitment," he said.
Additionally, Liu added, BOCOG will provide more thorough services for Beijing Olympic sponsors and comprehensive services inside and outside the venues for the spectators from around the world.
Diplomatic envoys at the meeting
