On April 23, 2017 local time, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias of Greece in Athens.
Wang Yi said that China and Greece are comprehensive strategic partners and have always understood and supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, which is the political foundation and good tradition of China-Greece relations. Greece is one of China's most trustworthy partners in the EU. The leaders of the two countries maintain contacts and communication, which injects new impetus to the development of bilateral relations. Practical cooperation between the two countries has been constantly raised to new steps. The success of Piraeus Port project not only injects new impetus to Greek's economic recovery, but also sets an example of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides.
Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Greece. Bilateral relations have always maintained a stable, sound and promising momentum for 45 years with the support of all circles from both countries. China welcomes Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) and welcomes Greece to make its own contributions to jointly building the "Belt and Road". China is willing to join efforts with Greece to further consolidate political mutual trust, thoroughly tap potentials of practical cooperation, expand trade and investment, constantly enrich people-to-people and cultural exchanges, successfully hold the first ministerial meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum co-organized by the two sides to increase dialogues and communication among different civilizations, and strengthen collaboration and coordination in international affairs, so as to promote China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership for more fruitful results.
Nikos Kotzias said that Greece and China enjoy time-honored history as well as friendly and stable bilateral relations. Greece actively responses to the "Belt and Road" initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is willing to attend the BRF upon invitation. Greece is willing to work with China to discuss on deepening practical cooperation in various fields such as economy, tourism, culture, renewable energies and ship building, enhance communication and collaboration in multilateral and regional affairs, and continue firmly supporting each other on major issues concerning respective core interests.
The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern including China-EU relations and the Syrian issue.