Chinese president Hu Jintao (R) meets FISU president George E. Killian in Shenzhen on Aug 11, 2011.[Photo/Xinhua]

Shenzhen has been well prepared for the coming Universiade and "we look forward to the full success of the 26th Summer Universiade", Chinese president Hu Jintao said when meeting George E. Killian, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in Shenzhen on Thursday, a day prior to the opening of the Games.

Hu stressed that hosting the Universiade contributes to the spread of the Olympics in China and will push forward the development and popularization of college students' sports in both China and the world. The Games also offers a platform on which college students from all over the world can have culture exchanges and dialogues.

According to Killian, FISU has maintained smooth cooperation with China, and the past major sports events held in China have been successful as China attaches great importance to youth sports.

"FISU is ready to continue to strengthen cooperation with China," Killian said.

Founded in 1949, FISU's main responsibility is the supervision of the Summer and Winter Universiade as well as the World University Championships.

Hu on Thursday also met Irina Gueorguieva Bokova, director general of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

According to Hu, China attaches great importance to cooperation with UNESCO, and has actively supported and taken part in activities organized by UNESCO, including preserving world cultural and natural heritage sites and promoting education.

Bokova said she hopes China and UNESCO could further enhance their cooperation.

"China has been an important member of UNESCO, and has cooperated well with UNESCO in supporting the development of developing countries. UNESCO pays tribute to this," said Bokova.