Beijing which is the host city of the Olympic Games in August is permeated with a joyous atmosphere. At noon of August 8, Chinese President Hu Jintao, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, held a grand banquet to warmly welcome the dignitaries from all around the world to attend the opening ceremony and related activities of the Beijing Olympic Games. In a toast Hu stressed that the Beijing Olympic Games presents opportunities not only for China but also for the entire world. By participating in the Olympics, we should promote the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship and peace, encourage people worldwide to strengthen communications, understanding and friendship and reduce differences and push for the building of a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity.

Leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government including member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council Wen Jiabao, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chinese President Xi Jinping, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the Political and Legislative Affairs Committee of the CPC Central Committee Zhou Yongkang, President Hu's wife Liu Yongqing, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge, Honorary President for Life of the IOC Juan Antonio Samaranch as well as VIPs from more than 80 countries and regions attended the luncheon.

Inside the Great Hall of the People lanterns and festoons are hung up and hundreds of flowers are in full blossom. In the newly decorated North Hall, the huge Suzhou embroidery presents the majestic picture of the Great Wall. At 12:00 p.m. President Hu Jintao and Madame Liu Yongqing welcomed the more than 110 heads of state and government, royal family representatives, regional leaders, international organization delegates and their spouses at the gate of the North Hall, shaking hands with them and extending greetings to each other.

At 12:30 p.m. the banquet opened amid the melody of welcome for the guests.

Hu proposed a toast entitled Promoting the Olympic Spirit, Creating a Beautiful Future for the World amid warm applauses.

He said that the Beijing Olympic Games would open ceremoniously tonight and the historic moment to which we had been looking forward was coming. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed warm welcome to all the guests to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

During the bid and preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games, the Chinese government and people have received the sincere help from governments and people all over the world and the full support of the IOC and the International Olympic Family. Hu extended heartfelt gratitude to the governments and people and all those who had contributed to the Beijing Olympic Games.

He stressed that the Olympics was not only a magnificent sports meet but also a platform for cultural exchanges. The international Olympic movement gathers people of different countries, races and cultures together, enhances the mutual understanding and friendship among people all around the world and has made great contributions to pushing forward the lofty undertaking of peace and development of the mankind.

Hosting the Olympic Games is a century-old dream of the Chinese nation and the common aspiration of all Chinese people. Since 2001 when Beijing won the bid the Chinese government and people have been fulfilling their solemn commitment to the international community to spare no efforts to prepare for the Olympic Games in line with the concept of hosting a green, high-tech and people's Olympics, emphasized Hu. He expressed confidence that with the support of the IOC and the international Olympic family we would be able to host a high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features.

Liu Qi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and President of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG), hosted the luncheon.

The dignitaries and VIPs from all over the world to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games were present at the banquet.

Other leaders of the CPC and the Chinese government also attended the banquet.