Government News Network: Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell today celebrated one year to the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing by pledging to learn from the Chinese experience.
She hailed the Games as a unique challenge for both countries - but one offering unprecedented opportunities and a legacy for generations to come.
Following a successful visit to Beijing last September, Tessa Jowell said she was keen to visit China again later this year, to see progress first-hand and to share news of London's preparations for 2012.
The visit last year included meetings with Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organising Committee, and Deng Pufang, who chairs China's Disabled Persons Federation - as well as talks with government officials about the Cultural Olympiad and media freedom.
Tessa Jowell said:
"London and Beijing, the UK and China, are linked by a common determination to make the most of hosting the world's premier event by leaving a lasting legacy for future generations - and our co-operation is strong and wide-ranging.
"The message of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games must always be one of fellowship, with sport the world's most solid common ground. We must work to build on this renewed bond between our two countries.
"Hosting the Games is an extraordinary challenge for both China and Britain - undeniably with hurdles to be cleared and risks to be managed - but one offering so many opportunities. We will share our know-how and experiences to ensure the maximum benefit for all our people.
"Both our countries are charged with enshrining the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. These are responsibilities we both take extremely seriously.
"The 2008 Games will naturally focus the world's attention on China as never before. We welcome reforms giving foreign journalists unprecedented access to China and I know the authorities there recognise the importance the rest of the world attaches to the issue of freedom of the media.
"I raised this important issue when I visited Beijing a year ago and was pleased by the Chinese response then; I certainly will again when I am next back there."
The 2008 Olympic Games will end on 24 August and London 2012 organisers will choreograph eight minutes of the Closing Ceremony to mark the formal handover from Beijing to London.
Ms Jowell added:
"When the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are over, the world's attention will turn to London and how we are going to live up to the standards Beijing will set.
"I can promise we will not disappoint. We are already hitting all our key milestones and no stone will be left unturned in our preparations; such is our determination to host Games that will leave Britain proud and the world admiring.
"I wish the Beijing organisers the very best of luck as they begin their countdown to 2008 and I hope to be able to see the site of the action for myself in the next few months."
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