Chinese President Xi Jinping has replied separately to letters from Victoria Woodards and Dick Muri, mayors of Tacoma and Steilacoom of the U.S. state of Washington.
In his reply letters, which were sent on Monday, Xi pointed out that the Beijing Olympic Winter Games is a happy event for the Chinese people and a great event for the international Olympic cause.
With the support of the Chinese people and the international community, he said, China will certainly present a simple, safe and splendid Olympic Games, practice the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together," and bring people across the world together for a shared future.
Xi also extended holiday greetings to all citizens of the two cities.