SYDNEY -- The former host city of the 2000 Olympic Games is sending its best wishes to the Beijing Olympics.
Matt Brown, the Minister for Housing and Tourism of New South Wales, said on Monday that Sydney was expecting a "fantastic and remarkable" Olympic Games to be opening in Beijing in just 11 days.
"Obviously the Sydney Olympics had a truly Australian flavor and we are sure China will put its own mark on the Olympic spirit as all host countries do," said Brown.
Henry Tsang, the former Deputy Lord Mayor of the City of Sydney, claimed that China was ready to host the world's biggest multi-sport event.
"The Games will be characterized by China's centuries-old history and culture, which will make it different to the Sydney 2000 Olympics," he said.
"The Games will highlight the minority groups' ethnic cultures, whose dressing, dancing and singing will definitely be an exclusive performance at the Games," Tsang added.
He said the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics will surprise the world with multi-ethnic elements and other stunning performance as "the Chinese people are renowned for circus, acrobatics and fireworks."
China is still recovering from the damage caused by the Wenchuan earthquake in May. However, Brown described the response to the earthquake by Chinese authorities as "swift and decisive".
"I am sure that the challenges China has encountered will be overcome and it will not affect the scale and success of the Olympics," he said.
Brown also believed the devastating earthquake will not have any impact on the Beijing Games.
"The rescue efforts have already enhanced the image of China as one of being open, transparent and accessible to the world," he said.
China will be under the world's spotlight during the Games, as people from all over the world will be offered the opportunity to further understand this country with its fifty-five minorities, its achievements and capabilities.
According to Brown, the Beijing Olympics will not only showcase the Chinese culture, but also provide a test of China's acceptance of foreign cultures.
"Our athletes and officials are very excited about going to China and competing alongside Chinese athletes and those from around the world," said Brown.