Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, joins the mayor of London, Boris Johnson, at a press conference to prepare for the hand over of the Olympic flag. Picture: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire

Rio de Janeiro’s mayor has called the London 2012 Olympics “outstanding”, as he joined London mayor Boris Johnson to outline how the two cities will continue to work together.

Mr Johnson and Rio’s mayor Eduardo Paes will appear at tomorrow’s closing ceremony so London’s mayor can hand the Olympic flag to Mr Paes, mayor of the next city to host the Olympic Games.

The two host cities have been working closely since Rio was awarded the 2016 Games and already UK companies who have worked on the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have won 20 contracts linked to Brazil’s hosts of the World Cup and Rio 2016 worth £50million.

Officials from Rio are also in regular contact with people from Transport for London (TfL) for tips on how to keep their city moving during the Games.

They have visited London on several occasions to look at the planning and preparations that have been taking place and during the Games delegates from Rio have been involved in an observation programme, assessing how London has staged the event.

Mr Johnson, who held a press conference about the handover of the Olympic flag with Mr Paes yesterday, said: “London is experiencing an unprecedented and remarkable summer, with billions of people witnessing not just some of the world’s greatest sporting achievements, but also the inspiring way Londoners have embraced the Games and helped us put on a fantastic party.

“We will be doing all we can to pass on to Rio the wealth of expertise and knowledge we have built since London was named host city in 2005, not least in making sure we have been able keep our city moving with record numbers of visitors.

“Legacy has always been at the heart of London 2012, and nurturing the emerging trade markets of Brazil and other BRIC countries is an essential part of this. I will be working closely with Mayor Paes to secure mutual benefits for both our cities following the 2012 Games.”

Mr Paes said: “We have been very impressed with the London Olympics. It has been an outstanding Games for the city and the world.

“On the eve of the official handover of the Olympic flag to Rio de Janeiro we look forward to further collaborating with Mayor Boris Johnson and London to ensure a smooth transition from city to city.”