That St. Petersburg will be one stop of the Olympic torch relay is good news. We will certainly hold a grand ceremony for the Olympic flame. Some of our people may be lucky enough to be torchbearers. We are very glad that the Olympic flame will pass through our country. And I think the preparation for the Beijing Games will move forward smoothly, especially the construction of the venues. All I can do is to wish China a successful hosting of the Olympic Games.

It's an honor to host such a large-scale and high level sports event. Some of the Russian experts talked about their experiences regarding the Games with their Chinese counterparts. And as far as I know, such communication is continuing. Russia is bidding to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The IOC will conduct their final voting in July 2007. I hope (if Russia wins the bid) our Chinese friends will share their successful experiences with us in the future. Most Russian delegates have asked the embassy to arrange a tour to the Olympic venues. Russian State Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov paid a visit to China in the middle of May. During his stay he visited some of the Olympic venues. He was very pleased and satisfied at the construction and preparation for the Games.

(China.org.cn May 23, 2007)