On April 2, 2008, Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo met with a delegation headed by Sonny Purdue, the governor of the U.S. state of Georgia, in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Dai welcomed Purdue for his first visit to China and appreciated him for attaching importance to developing exchanges and cooperation with China. The first non-stop flights between Atlanta and Shanghai have begun, operated by Delta Air Lines. Meanwhile, a Beijing-based consulting company for Georgia-based businesses wanting to operate in China has just opened. Dai congratulated the U.S. guest on these two developments.

Purdue said that his visit to China allowed him to see the enthusiasm of the Chinese people for the Olympics. He added that he believes that Beijing would host a successful event under the guidance of the Olympic spirit. He expressed willingness to contribute to pushing forward sound development of China-U.S. relations as well as exchanges and cooperation in all areas.

The delegation is visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.