Hu meets 11 foreign leaders

When President Hu Jintao held separate meetings with 11 foreign leaders at the Great Hall of the People yesterday, it foreshadowed a slew of talks with the unprecedented gathering of world leaders in Beijing that will take place during the Games.

"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I welcome you to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and thank your country for its support of the Games," President Hu told his Laotian counterpart Choummaly Saygnasone, the first guest of his intensive diplomatic schedule.

The Foreign Ministry had earlier confirmed more than 80 foreign heads of state or governments will attend the Games - a number that will set a new Olympic record.