To host the Olympic Games is a century-old dream of the Chinese nation and the shared aspiration of all the Chinese people, said President Hu Jintao in Beijing on Friday.

Hu made the remarks in his toast at a welcoming banquet for international dignitaries who have come to attend the Beijing Olympic Games' opening ceremony.

"Since Beijing won the bid in 2001, the Chinese government and people have been working earnestly to honor the solemn commitment we have made to the international community," Hu said.

Guided by the concept of "green Olympics, high-tech Olympics and people's Olympics," the Chinese people have done their utmost in the preparations for the Games, Hu said.

"I am confident that, with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family, and together with you, we will deliver a high-standard Olympic Games with distinctive feature," the president added.

He proposed a toast to the strong growth of the Olympic Movement, to greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world, and to the health of all the distinguished guests and their families.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)