Greetings from Swiss president

Dear readers,

This August, China will greet millions of visitors from all over the world and enable them to experience the most important global sports event infused with a combination of oriental culture and Olympic spirit.

Switzerland and China are old friends: We have enjoyed a very good relationship since 1950, when Switzerland was one of the first Western countries to recognize the People's Republic of China.

Switzerland - the host country to the Olympic movement - has always given great importance to the Olympic Games. It is our pleasure and honor to be present at the Olympic Games with our own National House, the House of Switzerland 2008.

The first House of Switzerland was established in 1998 during the Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Since then, Switzerland never missed the chance to welcome guests to its National House at the Olympics and to present the international character of our country. In the last few years, we extended our hospitality to the broader public and made the House of Switzerland accessible to every visitor.

This year, the House of Switzerland opens its doors on August 1, which is also Switzerland's National Day. Cultural activities, entertainment and excellent Swiss cuisine can be expected throughout the opening of the House of Switzerland until August 24. For our Chinese as well as international visitors, this will be a great chance to experience Swiss hospitality at the Olympic Games.

I am looking forward to welcoming you to the House of Switzerland 2008 and to discover the diversity of Switzerland in Beijing.

Pascal Couchepin

President of the Swiss Confederation

(China Daily 08/01/2008 page21)