DAKAR, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure left his country Wednesday for Beijing to attend the Olympic opening ceremony, according to news reaching here from the Malian capital of Bamako.

    Toure, accompanied by his wife and some government officials, said he has been looking forward to this trip to Beijing.

    Toure announced his decision to attend the Beijing Olympic ceremony on June 8, saying that he would head a delegation to attend the Olympic opening ceremony to support and encourage the Malian athletes while enhancing the traditional and friendly brotherhood between China and Mali.