Officials have said that China's president has called Shanghai's World Expo an opportunity to create a bridge between China and the rest of the world.

Xinhua has reported that Hu Jintao, hosting a welcoming dinner for foreign dignitaries Friday, said the World Expo is "a grand event to showcase the best achievements of human civilization."

The president said, "It is also a great occasion for people from around the world to share joy and friendship."

Xinhua also reported that Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing met with the dinner guests who later attended the opening ceremonies.

China will present itself to the world as a country enjoying fast development and changes through reform and opening up, Hu said in this Expo.

Xinhua further reported that he said it will also be a bridge for China to study the good practices of other countries and initiate exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world. (With Inputs from Agencies)