Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Thursday told visiting foreign dignitaries that the Beijing Olympics would be a unique and high-level sports event.

Xi met separately with Iranian Vice president and head of Physical Education Organization Muhammad Aliabadi, Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and the president of India's ruling Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi.

Xi described the Games as a great sports gathering for people of the whole world, which would serve as a "bridge for peace and friendship.

"With the support of the big Olympic family and the joint efforts of athletes and coaches from around the world, we will make the Beijing Olympic Games a unique and high-level sports gathering," said Xi.

The Games start on Friday. More than 80 heads of states and governments and royals will attend the opening ceremony in the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest.

(Xinhua News Agency August 7, 2008)