Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and George Papandreou, Foreign Minister of Greece, which holds the European Union (EU) rotating presidency, had a phone conversation Monday.

Li briefed Papandreou on China's all-out effort to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Li said China has received extensive sympathy and support from the international community, including Greece and the EU, which has increased the Chinese people's determination in the fight against SARS.

"We're confident and capable of winning the battle against SARS," Li said.

Li also expressed appreciation and thanks for Greece's and Papandreou's efforts to promote Sino-EU relations since Greece took up EU rotating presidency.

Papandreou said Greece is glad to be able to help and support the development of China-EU relations during its term of EU rotating presidency

.

He said Greece has high esteem for China and the Greek people and all European people have always cherished friendly feelings for the Chinese people.

Greece is ready to continue to aid and support China's fight against SARS and hopes and believes China can overcome the disaster as soon as possible, Papandreou said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2003)