The Olympic Committee of China (OCC) and the US Olympic Committee (USOC) signed an agreement in Irvine, the US on Friday to promote friendship and exchanges of views and experiences.

 

OCC President Liu Peng and USOC Chair Peter Ueberroth inked the agreement at the USOC's newly opened international Office in Irvine, California.

 

As part of the agreement, both National Olympic Committees will receive a high-level sports delegation every two years for exchanging views and experiences. Both parties will encourage exchanges and cooperation in such areas as coaching, referees, experts in sports, researchers, sports management, sports science and medicine.

 

Both parties agree that it is necessary to exchange information and research studies to strengthen cooperation in the fight against doping in sport and other unsportsmanlike behaviors.

 

"This is a great step between the two countries that are going to be competing for medals in two years in Beijing," said Ueberroth. "China and the United States are competitors, but are also friends in the world of sport. This agreement will benefit the athletes and coaches of each national Olympic committee, but it will also benefit the Olympic Movement and sports."

 

This agreement, said Liu Peng, "will contribute to the betterment of sport in the world. We look forward to visiting the United States with our coaches, staffs and athletes and we also anticipate hosting the US Olympic Committee officials and athletes in our country. This is a cooperative effort by friends in the Olympic Movement and will be especially useful in view of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games."

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2006)