NANJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday that he believes the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games will be a grand, wonderful gathering with Chinese characteristics.

Xi made the remarks at a banquet dinner to welcome foreign guests in Nanjing to attend the opening ceremony of the games.

The youth Olympics is not only games where the youth can show their sports skills, but also a platform for cultural exchanges and belongs to all young people in the world, said the Chinese president.

Xi said every youngster that participates in the games can be a "goodwill ambassador" that promotes understanding, friendship and cooperation between different nations, which will help to lay a solid social foundation for friendly interactions among countries and build a harmonious world featuring permanent peace and common prosperity.

He said peace, development, cooperation and win-win results are common aspirations shared by all nations.