By IANS,
Guangzhou: China is willing to enhance cooperation with international sports organisations to ensure the success of the 16th Asian Games, Premier Wen Jiabao said here Friday.
Wen spoke during his meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who are here to attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, Xinhua reported.
“The Asian Games serves as an important platform for promoting regional communication and cooperation,” Wen said.
“China attaches importance to the opportunity of hosting the games and has been well prepared for this event with unprecedented size and participants,” Wen said.
“China appreciates the support of the OCA and IOC and will cooperate with all parties to ensure the success of the games.”
China will host the 2011 World University Games and the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, and Wen vowed to strengthen the friendship between the Asian people and contribute to global peace and development.
Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah and Rogge appreciated the preparations for the Asian Games and were confident that it will be a success.
The two officials also praised the accomplishments China has achieved in sports in recent years and appreciated the Chinese government’s contribution in promoting the Olympic movement. They also pledged to enhance communication and cooperation with China.
The 16th Asian Games, scheduled from Nov. 12-27 in Guangzhou, will be the largest edition ever, featuring 9,704 athletes and 4,750 officials from 45 countries and regions.