Your Excellency Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic

Committee,

Your Excellency Juan Antonio Samaranch, Honorary President of

the International Olympic Committee,

Distinguished heads of state and government and representatives of

royal families,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

Since August 8, we have had a wonderful and exciting time together. Tonight, the Beijing Olympic Games will come to a successful conclusion. On behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests who have come to Beijing for the closing ceremony. I would also like to express sincere thanks to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family for their support and assistance and heartfelt congratulations to the athletes from various countries and regions on their outstanding performances at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Since the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games, friends from all parts of the world have come together in Beijing to experience the charm of the International Olympic Movement. The athletes from various countries and regions, bearing in mind the motto of "Citius, Altius, Fortius," have fought hard, competed fairly and dared to challenge themselves, displaying strong competitiveness and sportsmanship. The Chinese people have greeted all the guests with great enthusiasm and shared with people from across the world the joy and happiness. The Beijing Olympic Games has promoted the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace. It has become a grand event of international sports competition and cultural exchanges witnessed and joined by people of the whole world.

The success of the Beijing Olympic Games is attributable to the concerted efforts of the Chinese people and people from the rest of the world. The glory goes to the Olympic Family, to athletes who have competed hard, to volunteers from different parts of the world and to friends the world over who have been involved in the Beijing Olympic Games in various ways.

The hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games will give a boost to the further development of sports in China, promote more extensive exchanges and cooperation between China and the International Olympic Family and further enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people of all other countries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Dear friends,

In just a few days, the Paralympic Games will open. With the goal of "Two Games, Equal Splendor," we will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games with distinctive features and continue to contribute our part to the development of the International Olympic Movement.

I am confident that through the concerted efforts of people all over the world, the Olympic spirit will be carried forward and mankind will enjoy an even better future.

We all look forward to the reunion in London in four years' time!

I now propose a toast,

To the robust growth of the Olympic Movement,

To greater solidarity and friendship among people of all countries, and

To the health of all the distinguished guests.

Cheers!

(Source: www.fmprc.gov.cn)