Athletes from worldwide countries and regions have achieved outstanding results at the Beijing Games, Xi said while addressing the guests at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.

"They have promoted the International Olympic Movement, carried forward the spirit of modern Olympiad and intensified mutual understanding and friendship among people from different countries and regions," he said.

The Beijing Games are therefore more than an international sports rally, he added. "It's also a gathering for peace and friendship."
   
"Without the strong support and help from the International Olympic Committee and all our friends, Beijing's preparations and hosting of the Games would never have been so successful," Xi said. "You will be remembered forever by the Chinese people for your outstanding contributions to these Games."

IOC President Jacques Rogge praised the Beijing Games as successful.

In his speech delivered at the banquet, Rogge said the IOC and the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games (BOCOG) have forged profound friendship and worked together over the past seven years.

Rogge expressed thanks for everyone involved in the preparations and hosting of the Beijing Games, adding that their hard efforts have brought about the memorable Games.

BOCOG President Liu Qi presided over the banquet, which was attended by IOC Honorary President Juan Antonio Samaranch, senior Communist Party of China official Zhou Yongkang and chairman of IOC Coordination Commission for the Beijing Games Hein Verbruggen, among other members of the Olympic Family.