Jordanian King Abdullah II has said that the 2008 Beijing
Olympics are going to be a window into China, its culture and the
progress China experienced in many areas.
In an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency prior to his
state visit to China from October 29 to November 1, the king said
he always looks forward to every Olympic Games as a showcase of
athletic excellence, noting that the Olympic Games in Beijing would
display more.
"I believe millions of people everyday read about China's
extraordinary growth and progress," he said, adding that "there is
a lot of additional excitement around the world just because China
is hosting the games."
Abdullah said "for many people, the Olympics are going to be a
window into China, its culture and its contemporary achievements in
many areas."
The king expressed his belief of the success of the Beijing
Olympics, saying that "I have no doubt that China will make the
upcoming games one of the most memorable in history."
The king himself is a qualified frogman, pilot and a free-fall
parachutist and he is also interested in automobile racing, water
sports and scuba diving. He once won the title of the national
rally of Jordan.
During his visit to China in 2004, he even took time to watch
the Asian Football Cup matches in which the Jordanian football team
took part.
King Abdullah's upcoming four-day state visit to China, which
will kick off on October 29, will be the fifth one since he
succeeded to the throne in 1999.
The king said that the two countries will celebrate the 30th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during his
visit to China.
(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2007)