South Korea Congratulates Beijing for Hosting of 2008 Olympics

South Korean President Kim Dae-jung Saturday sent a congratulatory message to his Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin for Beijing's designation to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

"On behalf of the Korean people and the government I sincerely extend my congratulations that Beijing was awarded the host city of of the 2008 Summer Olympics at the 112th general meeting of the International Olympic Committee held in Moscow Friday," President Kim said in the message.

Kim said China's hosting of the Olympic Games will promote significant national development and contribute greatly to promoting world peace.

The friendly and cooperative relations between South Korea and China will further progress in the course of China's preparations for the Olympiad, added the South Korean president.

Meanwhile, both South Korean ruling and opposition parties hailed and congratulated China for winning the Olympic Games.

The ruling Millenium Democratic Party said Beijing's win will not only strengthen the economic vitality of China but also promote the economic development of Asia.

The ruling partner United Liberal Democratic said China's win will make the Northeast Asia become the center of the world.

The opposition said the win will accelerate China's reform and opening-up process and China will make big progress in all fields.






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