"The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is a grand celebration of sport, a grand celebration of peace and a grand celebration of friendship, " he said.

A week before the opening ceremony, President Hu pledged that China would continue to help foreign reporters' work after the Games. "China has always opened its door to the outside world," he said during an interview with journalists from 25 global media organizations.

China also lifted the ban on foreign publications as the Olympics drew near, which is an international practice and part of China's commitments to the Games.

About one hundred overseas newspapers and magazines went on sale on July 21 at news kiosks located in areas catering to athletes and international media covering the Olympics. And all the newsstands will run about 15 hours a day till the end of the Paralympics.

President Hu said that the Beijing Olympics would leave important material and spiritual legacies for China and the whole world.

He identified three spiritual legacies. The first is the promotion of the Olympic spirit of unity, friendship and peace. The second is the realization of the concept of the "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics". The third is the advancement of exchanges and learning among cultures of all the countries.

Editor:Zhao Shanchao