Following the success of the Tokyo Olympics last year, the Winter Olympics will bring together countries and athletes around the world united in the Olympic spirit and the common good of our world. The Beijing Winter Olympics transcends politics and challenges confronting the globe, with athletes converging in Beijing with the message of hope and a better future for the world. And the people of Vanuatu will be joining you in solidarity.

Beijing will provide another world-class spectacle, showing the best it can all over the world through this Olympic Sports Festival. I wish to take this opportunity to commend the People's Republic of China and its people for its readiness in hosting the Winter Olympics and achievement underlined by Beijing's distinction as the only city that has hosted the Summer Olympics. We wish all the athletes and the Winter Games the best of success.