Lithuanian Prime Minister Gediminas Kirkilas on Tuesday hailed the Beijing Olympics, saying it set a high-level example for other cities to host future Games.

Kirkilas, who came here for the Games, highly praised the organization of the Beijing Olympics and the performance of Chinese athletes.

After arriving in Beijing, Kirkilas watched some events including weightlifting and cycling and visited the Olympic Village. He also planned to see the canoeing flatwater race and visit the National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest".

"There is no problem with transportation in Beijing. We saw excellent infrastructure, very good conditions in the Olympic Village. China made a lot of efforts to improve the environment for the Olympic Games.

"The Beijing Olympic Games sets a very good example for other cities in future to organize Games. It depicts the spirit of real Olympic Games," he added.

China's basketball team, with Lithuanian head coach Jonas Kazlauskas, will face Lithuania, the bronze medalist at the 2007 FIBA European Championships, in the men's quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Kirkilas said he would "definitely" go to see that, expecting his team to win.

"The Chinese team has left me with a very good impression during the Games. If they win the game, we would be glad to see that as well."

Citing sports as a bridge linking the two nations, Kirkilas said Lithuania and China had developed good relations featuring high-ranking visits and booming economic cooperation since the 1991 establishment of diplomatic ties.

"China today has a fast-developing economy. We hope to further strengthen economic cooperation in fields like transportation and bio-technology, among others."

According to Kirkilas, the Lithuania was now discussing with concerned department of China about a plan to establish the first Confucius Institute in Lithuania.

"Chinese culture, language and history have attracted many people in Lithuania. They want to know more about China. We will continuously push forward exchanges between our two peoples."

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)