With the Olympics and Paralympics approaching, the political bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met on Tuesday to discuss preparations for the two events.

The Political Bureau heard reports from relevant organizations on the preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and discussed the work for the next stage.

The meeting was chaired by Chinese President and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Hu Jintao.

The politburo agreed that the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics had done much efficient work during the past six years to lay a solid foundation for the success of the two events.

"We should continue to follow the principles of hosting green, high-tech and people's Olympics and the goal of high-level Olympics and Paralympics with distinguishing features," the politburo said.

The politburo said the two games should strengthen exchanges between China and other countries and improve the mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese citizens and people from other countries.

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2008)