Liu Qi, president of Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games, met with visiting Belarusian President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko in Beijing Tuesday.

Liu briefed Lukashenko on Beijing's preparation for the forthcoming Olympic Games, saying that his organizing committee will enhance cooperation with Belarusia for successful Olympics in Beijing.

Liu also extended thanks for Belarus supporting Beijing's bid for the games in 2001.

Liu, also secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said the Chinese national capital will step up exchange and cooperation with Belarusian cities in such fields as tourism.

Lukashenka's visit to China will increase friendship between the two countries, said Liu.

Lukashenko, also president of the Belarusia Olympic Committee, said his government and committee will learn from China's preparation for 2008 Olympic Games and increase exchanges with China in athletes training.

Lukashenko arrived in Beijing Sunday night on a three-day official visit to China, which is his third China trip as president of Belarus.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2005)