BEIJING, August 8 (APP): Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday thanked the international community inlcuding Pakistan for their support to the Beijing Olympics and their assistance to the country after the May 12 earthquake. Addressing a welcoming luncheon in honour of world dignitaries  including Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani who are here to attend the Olympic opening ceremony, Hu said that in the course of bidding and preparing for the Games, the Chinese government and people received sincere help from governments and people of various countries, as well as strong support from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani exchanged good wishes with the world leaders on the occasion, expressing firm support of his country for peace and development, meeting the common aspirations of their people.

While shaking hands with the Chinese President, Gilani convyed greetings to him for holding the olymics, wishing it a successful event. Hu Jintao reciprocated the feelings of goodwill and thanked Gilani for his personal presence at this historical occasion.

In his address at the luncheon reception, the Chinese President further said, "I would like to express heartfelt thanks to you and, through you, to all those who have contributed to the Beijing Olympic Games," he said in the toast.

"I also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the international community for the warm support and valuable assistance given to China in our rescue and relief efforts after the devastating Wenchuan earthquake," he said.

"The Chinese people will remember forever the profound friendship of people throughout the world," he said.

The Beijing Olympics will kick off on Friday evening. More than 80 state leaders and royals are here to attend the opening ceremony and related events.

"Since Beijing won the bid in 2001, the Chinese government and people have been working earnestly to honour the solemn commitment we have made to the international community," Hu said.

Guided by the concept of "green Olympics, high-tech Olympics and

people's Olympics," the Chinese people have done their utmost in the preparations

for the Games, Hu said.

"I am confident that, with the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Family, and together with you, we will deliver a high-standard Olympic Games with distinctive feature," the president said.

He proposed a toast to the strong growth of the Olympic Movement, to greater solidarity and friendship among people from all over the world, and to the health of all the distinguished guests and their families.