US President George W. Bush yesterday became the first foreign head of state to be presented a mascot for the 2008 Olympic Games at a banquet hosted by President Hu Jintao.

He was given one of the Five Friendlies, Huanhuan, symbolizing the Olympic flame and the passion of sport, according to Kong Quan, director of the Information Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Kong told China Daily that Laura Bush, the president's wife, was given mascot Jingjing with the image of a giant panda, which symbolizes the blessing of happiness.

(China Daily November 21, 2005)