A senior city official said in Beijing Friday night that the Beijing municipal government hopes to increase exchange with press officers of foreign embassies and foreign correspondents in Beijing for their help in the city's bid for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Liu Jingmin, vice-mayor of Beijing, made the remarks at a reception of about 200 foreign press officers and correspondents, marking the Chinese lunar New Year, which falls on January 24.

The vice-mayor said as Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympics has entered a critical stage, Beijing hopes that more people around the world realize the strong desire of Beijing residents to host the games.

Beijing Mayor Liu Qi and other officials attended the reception.

(Xinhua 01/20/01)