Dora Bakoyannis, mayor of Athens, awarded Chinese gold medalists in the 2004 Olympic Games honorary citizens of Athens on Tuesday.

Weightlifters Zhang Guozheng and Shi Zhiyong and sharpshooter Wang Yifu received the award on behalf of the Olympics winners.

"I am particularly proud (that) ... the sons and daughters of China have won in the filed the highest distinction of the Olympic Games," Bakoyannis said.

"It is also symbolic of the ever-growing ties between our two most ancient nations," she said.

China and Greece have vowed to further cooperation for the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, including establishing a joint committee and a series of projects.

Beijing should try to cut the budget and speed up the construction work, Bakoyannis said based on her experience.

"I give the best wishes to the success of the Beijing Olympic Games," she said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2005)