BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Saturday hailed the role of sports in promoting international friendship in a meeting with Prime Minister of Lithuania Gediminas Kirkilas.

　　    "The Chinese men's basketball team is led by a Lithuanian coach, and also many coaches from China are working in other countries. This shows that sports can go beyond borders and promote the friendship between peoples of different countries," Wen told Kirkilas who is here to watch the Beijing Olympic Games and attend the closing ceremony.

　　    He said the Chinese men's basketball team's performance at the games is approved by the Chinese people, and he is also interested in the matches of the Lithuanian basketball team.

　　    He welcomed Kirkilas to watch the Beijing Olympic Games and to attend the closing ceremony, saying he believes the Beijing Games has indeed shown the Olympic aim of friendship, unity and peace.

　　    Kirkilas congratulated Wen and China for hosting a "very successful" Olympic Games, and praised the "very successful performance" of the Chinese athletes.

　　    He said the organization of Beijing Olympic Games is excellent, the Chinese people are very friendly and Beijing is filled with the Olympic spirit.

　　    "China has set a very high standard for the Olympic Games," he said.