SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt - Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on Saturday hailed the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics as a wonderful opportunity for world athletes to be together to celebrate peace, love and all good meanings of humanity.

Abul Gheit made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the second day of the two-day 13th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council ahead of the AU Summit in the Egyptian Red Sea resort.

"China is a great nation, Egypt is glad to see China will host the Olympics this year, this means a lot to both the world and China," the top Egyptian diplomat noted.

On the politicization of the Beijing Olympic Games by some westerners and media, Abul Gheit said, "Our view is that sports, especially the Olympic Games should be kept away from politics."

Foreign ministers or representatives of the 53 AU members attended the  13th ordinary session of the Executive Council to tackle peace and security, the progress of political and economic integration and progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in Africa, as well as human rights, and legal and health issues on the continent, according to the meeting agenda.

Under the theme "Meeting the Millennium Development Goals on Water and Sanitation", the 11th AU Summit is scheduled from June 30 to July 1 in Sharm El- Sheikh.