Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that Indonesia hails China's success in hosting the ongoing Olympic Games, saying the Beijing Olympiad is better than previous ones.
"On behalf of the government, I has been asked by President (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) to attend the closing ceremony, expressing appreciation of the Indonesian government on the great success," Kalla said in an interview with Xinhua before his visit to Beijing for the Games' closing ceremony on Aug. 24.
Kalla, who is also chairman of Indonesia's biggest party of Golkar, said that many people here were amazed by the Games, especially the sports facilities. He also praised China for overcoming all difficulties to ensure the success of the Games.
The vice president said that as a friend of China, Indonesia has full respect for and share the joy of the success.
He noted that many world records were broken and no one complained about the facilities.
"Indonesian athletes said that they were very satisfied with the Games," he said.
Indonesia has sent 24 athletes to the Beijing Olympics, who have won one gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Its gold medal came from men's badminton double event.
The vice president urged the Indonesian athletes to give top performance.
Kala said the bilateral relations between the two countries, which have strong cultural and social relations, are important and mutually beneficial.
"The Indonesia-China ties in economy and politics are always good," he said.
Kalla is to leave for Beijing Friday evening.
(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)