Hirotaro Yamasaki has asked Liu Qi, president of Beijing 2008, to assist Fukuoka in its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Yamasaki told reporters, “we want to propose a new style for the Olympics as a local city”. He added that specific forms of cooperation between the two cities have yet to be decided.
Liu said at a meeting with Fukuoka officials that Fukuoka was successful in hosting sports events and is drawing on its experience.
Fukuoka officials said they were willing to promote communications and exchanges with Beijing and to accumulate experience in its bid for the 2016 Summer Games while supporting Beijing’s preparations for the 2008 Games.
