Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted the robust bilateral relations between China and Greece, expressing hope that Greece will continue to play a significant role in the development of Sino-European relations. This affirmation came following his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Beijing.
Xi emphasized that the healthy development of China-EU relations relies on principles such as independence, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Prime Minister Mitsotakis echoed similar sentiments during the meeting, stressing the importance of open communication channels between the European Union and China.
The Greek government emphasized that Greece can act as a bridge in fostering constructive and stable relations between the EU and China, emphasizing the necessity for Europe to maintain strategic autonomy to address global geopolitical challenges effectively.
Within the framework of the Chinese “Belt and Road” project, Greece and China are already cooperating, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in transportation, shipping, energy, telecommunications, and finance. Both nations seek to expand opportunities for cooperation in areas like the green economy, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, as well as cultural exchanges.
Xi expressed his desire for long-term, stable, and sustainable development of the Port of Piraeus, an important component of the Greece-China partnership. He also underscored Beijing’s support for strengthening ties between the two nations and enhancing cultural exchange mechanisms, including the Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations Center and the Ancient Civilizations Forum.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized the success of the Port of Piraeus as an investment benefiting both sides and expressed Greece’s commitment to expanding its trade relations with China, aiming for more Greek products to enter the Chinese market while welcoming Chinese visitors to Greece.
Ευχαριστώ τον Πρόεδρο της Λαϊκής Δημοκρατίας της Κίνας, Xi Jinping, για τη θερμή υποδοχή. Ελλάδα και Κίνα έχουμε μια ισχυρή οικονομική σχέση. Δίνω ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην οικονομική μας συνεργασία, στις εμπορικές σχέσεις, αλλά και στη συνεργασία στον τομέα του τουρισμού. pic.twitter.com/uFjTUTzfnH
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) November 3, 2023
The discussions also touched on the upgrading of the Greek economy to an investment-grade level by Chinese companies and explored investment opportunities in Greece. Mitsotakis acknowledged China’s potential role in maintaining international peace and resolving global crises, given its status as a permanent member of the Security Council, referencing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting between the leaders aims to improve on diplomatic and economic ties between Greece and China, as both countries seek to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
