The Olympics and the United Nations share similar values and it's hoped the Beijing games will contribute to world peace, Beijing Olympic committee chief Liu Qi said.

Liu president of BOCOG claps after UN Secretary General Kofi Annan signs guest book of construction site of Chinas National Stadium in Beijing May 23, 2006. [Reuters]

Liu, president of the Beijing organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympics, made the remark in a meeting with visiting UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan here Tuesday.

Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, noted that the UN is playing an "irreplaceable" role on international issues as it helps maintain peace and promote common prosperity which are identical aspirations of the Olympic spirit.

Annan agreed with Liu's views, expressing his appreciation to the Beijing Olympic committee.

He said the slogans and ideas of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have been widely shared and recognized by the international community and the sporting event is sure to be successful.