China on Thursday issued an album of Olympic commemorative stamps as part of its efforts to promote the Olympic Movement.

The three-volume album, entitled The Path of Glory, collects more than 200 stamps issued by countries and regions all over the world that cover more than 100 years of Olympic history.

According to the People's Sport Publishing House of China, publisher of the album, it is the first Olympic stamps album authorized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

IOC president Jacques Rogge sent a message of congratulation.

"With The Path of Glory, people from all over the world will discover the wonderful history of the Olympic Games through stamps, " said Rogge.

"I would like to congratulate the People's Sport Publishing House of China, under the leadership of my colleague He Zhenliang, Chairman of the IOC's Commission for Culture and Olympic Education, for joining forces to work on this commendable project, thus showing their commitment to promoting the Olympic ideals and knowledge of the Olympic Movement and Games for future generations in China and beyond."

Former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch also wrote the congratulatory preface for the album.

(Xinhua News Agency December 9, 2005)