World leaders assembled at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Rome have expressed their support for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"We look ahead to Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2022 as opportunities for competition for athletes from around the world, which serves as a symbol of humanity's resilience," the leaders said in their conference declaration.

In response, International Organization Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said his committee warmly welcomed the recognition and support of the summit for the Games.

Last month, Bach expressed his confidence in China's hosting the Games.

"The preparations are going very, very well," he said in an interview with the China Media Group (CMG). "We are deeply impressed in the way that China was handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the IOC president said. "The determination, not only to contain the virus, but to eradicate the virus, we could see a lot of Chinese efficiency in all these efforts. 

"Nevertheless, at the same time, the preparations for the Games have made progress despite all the restrictions related to the pandemic. And this is really impressive to see that all the venues have already been finished some months ago." 

Bach noted that test events are now taking place. "They are starting in a way that they can be organized in a safe way," he said. "The first responses we have from the athletes taking part in these test events ... are extremely positive. Therefore, we are even more confident in the success of this Winter Olympic Games."  

Beijing will be the first city in the world to host both the summer and winter Olympics.