Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas extended his congratulations Thursday to China on the successful Beijing Olympic Games, reports from Vilnius said Wednesday.

The grand sports event has bettered the world's understanding about China and changed many people's prejudices against the country, said Kirkilas during a visit to the Chinese embassy upon his return from the Beijing Olympiad.

He expressed his heartfelt thanks for the great efforts made by the Chinese government and people.

Kirkilas also praised China for its great achievements in various fields since it adopted the reform and opening-up policy, saying the country is playing an important role in international affairs.

Lithuania will continue to develop relations of mutually-beneficial cooperation with China, he added.

Chinese Ambassador to Lithuania Yang Xiuping congratulated Lithuanian athletes on their outstanding performance at the Games.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the friendly ties with the Baltic nation, Yang said, adding that she believed bilateral cooperation in various areas would yield more fruitful results.

(Xinhua News Agency August 29, 2008)