Relations between Greece and China are going from strength to strength, further highlighted by president of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping’s first official visit to Athens this week.
On Monday, 16 memorandums of cooperation were signed by the two countries’ delegations. The most significant outline new Chinese energy investments in Greece.
Greece and China have been working closely since 2006, when state-owned China Ocean Shipping Company’s (COSCO) investment commenced at the port of Piraeus.
“Greece recognises China not only as a great power but also as a country that has won for itself, not without difficulty, a leading geostrategic economic and political role,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
An official dinner was hosted in the Chinese President’s honour on Monday at the Presidential Mansion, attended by Mr Mitsotakis and President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
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During the special evening, Mr Pavlopoulos said the two countries’ relationship has been upgraded, having entered a new era of “engagement and fellowship”, adding that the people of Greece are looking forward to further growth.
“Greece feels satisfied because the vision of peaceful and creative co-existence between the West and the East is starting to come true,” he said, going on to highlight the close cultural ties, claiming that their bilateral relations are entrenched in their respective ancient civilisations.
“Cultures that achieve harmonious co-existence because they focus on people and the peaceful co-existence of all humans,” he explained. “Real, substantial cultures do not engage in conflict, but instead serve mankind and peace, by building bridges of communication and tearing down walls of division.”