Chinese, Greek PMs Hold Talks

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, June 04, 2002

Chinese, Greek PMs Hold Talks

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Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji held talks Monday with visiting Greek Prime Minister Constantine Simitis, who arrived Sunday for a six-day official visit.

Simitis was the first Greek Prime Minister to visit China in 16 years.

This year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Greek diplomatic relations and the visit would deepen understanding and friendship between the two countries.

Zhu extended his appreciation for Greece's adherence to the one-China policy and its understanding of China's position on human rights, adding that China was willing to make concerted efforts to promote bilateral ties, he said.

Zhu made four proposals: the continued expansion of bilateral ties to improve mutual understanding; enhanced cooperation to boost balanced and healthy trade and economic cooperation; non-governmental cooperation to expand bilateral cooperation in tourism, science and technology, sports, culture, biology and telecommunications; and stronger cooperation on the Olympic Games.

Simitis said both Greece and China had long cultural traditions, which was a bridge for mutual understanding and communication between the two countries.

He said he was satisfied with the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation, noting that the potential in this field was still great and Greece was willing to promote cooperation in culture, tourism and agriculture, and especially in the Olympic Games.

He reiterated that Greece would adhere to the one-China policy and appreciated the important and active role China played in international affairs, saying that China should play a more important role.

After the talks, Zhu and Simitis attended the signing ceremony for three cooperation agreements.

Prior to the talks, Zhu presided over a welcoming ceremony in the honor of Simitis. This is also his first China tour since he assumed office.

Sources: Xinhua

China and Greece

I. Political Relations

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 5, 1972, the bilateral relations have witnessed smooth development. In the 1980's, the Prime Ministers of the two countries exchanged visits. The two sides cooperated successfully in the political, economic, cultural, scientific and technological, and military areas.

II. Economic and trade relations

In the early days after the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bilateral trade volume was only US$1.6 million. In the recent years, the Sino-Greek trade has developed rapidly. The Sino-Greek economic and technological cooperation has always focused on sea transportation. By the end of 2000, Greece had invested 29 projects in China with a contractual investment US$ 57.39 million and an actual input of US$ 15.29 million.

III. Exchanges and cooperation in other fields

In accordance with the cultural agreement between China and Greece, the two sides continued to sign executive programs of the cultural exchange agreement for terms ranging from 3 to 4 years from 1985. In August 1998 and November 1999, the Greek Chief of Staff General and the Deputy Chief of General headed two delegations to visit China respectively.

Source from: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

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