Beijing hopes to enhance exchange and cooperation with Britain, London in particular, on various subjects including hosting the Olympic Games, Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games, said in Beijing on Wednesday.

 

Liu made the remarks in his meeting with visiting British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who started his eight-day China tour on Sunday at the invitation of the Chinese government.

 

London's winning bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games offers new opportunities for the two cities to cement bilateral exchange and cooperation, Liu said, who is also secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

 

"Having successfully held the Olympic Games twice, London is experienced in this field," Liu said.

 

He said Beijing's preparations for the 2008 Games are well under way. Stadiums and gymnasiums currently under construction are expected to be completed by 2007.

 

Prescott praised Beijing's urban development and its preparations for the 2008 Olympics. He said Britain is willing to share experience with Beijing and enhance cooperation with China in other fields as well.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2006)