Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has spoken highly of China's preparations for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games and wished the Games a complete success.
"I'd like to express gratitude and pay great tribute to the host -- our Chinese friends. I know China has made great efforts in preparing for the Games to fulfill its pledges for Olympics of the highest level," Putin said in a recent written interview with Xinhua.
The prime minister thanked Chinese President Hu Jintao for inviting him to the opening ceremony of the Games, saying he will definitely be present.
Putin condemned attempts to politicize the Olympics, describing them as "trampling on the Olympic spirit." "The Olympics are competitions for athletes, not for countries," Putin said, citing Pierre de Coubertin, known as the father of the modern Olympics.
Noting the basic Olympic values of international solidarity, common understanding and cooperation, Putin said distrust and conflict were against the Olympic spirit.
The Olympics in the first place are grand sports gatherings and their importance, entertainment and influence on people across the world are beyond the reach of any other sports event, Putin said.
Russia fully supports the Beijing Olympics, he said, recalling that Russia was among the first to share the joy with China when Beijing won the right to host the 2008 Olympics seven years ago in Moscow.
China's experience in organization, technology and information support for such a big sports event is also "crucial, interesting and beneficial" for Russia, he added.
Putin expected the Russian team to make unprecedented achievements and "write down a brilliant and unforgettable chapter" in Beijing.
However, he refrained from predicting the number of medals Russian athletes could possibly garner at the Beijing Games, citing an ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi(570-490 bc), who said "People who think too much of themselves won't excel."
"Experts say we have good chances in rhythmic gymnastics, wrestling, tennis, boxing, track and field, shooting, synchronized swimming and judo," he said instead.