"The Olympic aspiration of 'One World, One Dream' will definitely come true in Beijing," Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev told a collective interview by Chinese reporters on Tuesday.
The Olympiad is a global event reflecting a common aspiration of people around the world for peace and sportsmanship, he said.
The Chinese government and people have made huge efforts to prepare for the event, Bakiyev said, adding that he believed that the Beijing Olympics will be a successful one with high standard.
China's hosting the Olympiad reflected a global recognition of its contribution to the progress of the whole humanity in the new century. As China's close neighbor, Kyrgyzstan has never be so closed to an Olympic games, said the president.
Kyrgyzstan "strongly opposes certain people's attempt to politicize" such a sport event, he said.
Kyrgyzstan would sent a delegation of 20 to Beijing, said Bakiyev. The gold, silver and bronze medalists will each get a reward of 150,000, 100,000 and 75,000 U.S. dollars from the government, he said.
Bakiyev loved football as a young boy and boxing is always his favorite. "Boxing is not simply fighting. It actually is an art that helps cultivate courage and a clear sense of purpose," he said.
Bakiyev said China has long and splendid traditions in medicine and sports, which impressed him immensely during his 2006 tour of the country.
"I cherish the unforgettable memory of China's tremendous achievements in politics, economy and culture and its hard-working, warm and hospitable people," he said.
Bakiyev thanked China for its assistance to his country in energy, agriculture, transportation, communication and tourism, as well as in its preparation for the Bishkek summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) last year.
Bakiyev praised the cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and China, which he said is progressing in all areas and at all levels. He is confident that bilateral ties will maintain their strong momentum and reach a new high.
(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)