President Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin said the people of China were earnest and willing to be devoted to the Olympics, and the Chinese government had shown great foresight and brilliant leadership, all of which contributed to the success of the Beijing Games.

President Emanuel Mori of the Federated States of Micronesia said he had left China with the full understanding of the "One World, One Dream" theme and appealed for the building of a better world for everyone.

Argentine Vice President Julio Cobos said the marvelous opening ceremony of the Beijing Games had amazed the world. China's perfect organization had allowed the athletes to participate in the sports gala without worries and compete for good results.

The speaker of the Lithuanian parliament or Seimas, Ceslovas Jursenas, said China had revealed its features, potential and long history to the world during the Olympics and wished the country success in its future comprehensive development.

Dimitris Sioufas, the president of the Greek parliament, praised China's historic contribution to the development of the Olympic Games and the great achievements of its reform and opening up policy. He expressed the belief that the China's development would inspire the whole world.

Jean Ping, the African Union Commission chairperson, said China had provided favorable conditions for the athletes which helped them achieve repeated successes. The foreign guests were all satisfied with the reception and the Beijing Olympics had gained world recognition, he added.