Hu meets Greek president, vows to better bilateral ties

(Xinhua/Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-25 09:42

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias (2nd L) inspect a guard of honour outside the Presidential palace in Athens November 24, 2008. Hu is on a three-day official visit in Greece. [Agencies]

Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias agreed on Monday to lift the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership to a new height.

During his talks with Papoulias, Hu first thanked Greece for its support for the Beijing Olympic Games and the Paralympics. The Greek side also rendered support for Beijing in the torch lighting and relay, he added.

Sino-Greek relations now stand on a new historical starting point and are faced with broader prospects, the Chinese president said.

In recent years, China and Greece have seen rapid growth in two-way trade and bilateral cooperation in sea transportation has entered a new era, he added.

In 2007, their two-way trade stood at $3.4 billion, and in the first seven months of this year it reached $2.4 billion.

China is willing to import more Greek commodities that cater to its market and will encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Greece, Hu said.

China will also seize opportunities to work together with the Greek side in harbor and port construction to enhance bilateral cooperation in sea transportation, he added.

China will also promote bilateral cooperation in energy, environmental protection and tourism, Hu said.

To further bilateral ties, Hu called for efforts to enhance political mutual trust, maintain high-level contacts and expand non-governmental exchanges.

The Chinese leader expressed hope that Greece will continue to play an active role in advancing China-Europe ties in the framework of the European Union.

Hu suggested that the two sides expand culture exchanges to deepen the friendship between the two peoples.

The two countries, both boasting long ancient civilizations, should draw on the useful experiences of "the Year of Greek Culture" and their cooperation during the Beijing Olympiad and carry out cultural exchanges of various forms by making good use of their rich cultural resources.

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