Jordanian King Abdullah II has said that the 2008 Beijing Olympics are going to be a window into China, its culture and the progress China experienced in many areas.

 

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency prior to his state visit to China from October 29 to November 1, the king said he always looks forward to every Olympic Games as a showcase of athletic excellence, noting that the Olympic Games in Beijing would display more.

 

"I believe millions of people everyday read about China's extraordinary growth and progress," he said, adding that "there is a lot of additional excitement around the world just because China is hosting the games."

 

Abdullah said "for many people, the Olympics are going to be a window into China, its culture and its contemporary achievements in many areas."

 

The king expressed his belief of the success of the Beijing Olympics, saying that "I have no doubt that China will make the upcoming games one of the most memorable in history."

 

The king himself is a qualified frogman, pilot and a free-fall parachutist and he is also interested in automobile racing, water sports and scuba diving. He once won the title of the national rally of Jordan.

 

During his visit to China in 2004, he even took time to watch the Asian Football Cup matches in which the Jordanian football team took part.

 

King Abdullah's upcoming four-day state visit to China, which will kick off on October 29, will be the fifth one since he succeeded to the throne in 1999.

 

The king said that the two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during his visit to China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2007)