British PM visits Beijing Olympic stadium

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited the 2008 Olympic stadium on Saturday. He said the Beijing Games will be one of the greatest ever.

Britain''s Prime Minister Gordon Brown (C), his wife Sarah (in red) and double Olympic gold medalist Kelly Holmes (2nd R), address the media outside the National Stadium also known as the "Bird''s Nest" in Beijing January 19, 2008. [Agencies]

The Bird's Nest received the early birds from Britain Saturday morning.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown, accompanied by his wife and British Olympic mid-distance running champion Kelly Holmes, paid a 20-minute visit to the national stadium.

The Birds' Nest, which has over 90,000 seats, will be the centerpiece of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Some aspects of the stadium design have been assisted by British firms.

Brown said, "This is going to be one of the greatest Olympic Games ever. I'm flattered that British design has been involved for the athletes it's going to be great, for the public it's going to be wonderful."

Britain''s Prime Minister Gordon Brown (C) and his wife Sarah leave the National Stadium also known as the "Bird''s Nest" in Beijing January 19, 2008. [Agencies]

During the visit, Brown said the two countries will promote cooperation on training programs for British athletes and their Chinese counterparts.

Brown said, "I hope we will win some medals in Beijing in 2008. We will prepare to win more medals in London in 2012. And I do congratulate the Chinese government to make this cooperation possible. "