



Greece is an important strategic partner and China’s most reliable friend in the European Union, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

The Chinese president made the statement during his meeting in Beijing with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, who is on a five-day official visit to China in order to attract investors to Greece.

Xi underlined that the Greek prime minister’s visit to China after 10 years of partnership is held at a crucial and important moment. He was referring to the Greek government agreement with Chinese giant Cosco to run Piraeus Port, adding that the two countries will cooperate in other sectors as well. “We are certain that a better future starts for Greece,” Xi said.

“We are certain that Piraeus will open new prospects for the broadening of Greece-China cooperation in transport, infrastructure, telecoms and shipping. We are also ready to develop cooperation in tourism, culture and sports sectors and we seek the upgrading of the political dialogue,” Xi further stated.

On his part, Tsipras said that “a circle in the Greek-Chinese relations closed and another one opens” and thanked China for its support.

“Our peoples struggled in the 20th century for independence and dignity. They always supported peace and the equal cooperation among the peoples,” the Greek prime minister underlined.

Tsipras and Xi discussed the prospects of further investments in Greece within the framework of China’s strategic plan and presented Greece’s investment proposals in the economy, banking, tourism, research and innovation, Greek exports and culture sectors.

The Chinese president accepted Tsipras’ invitation to visit Greece.



