President Hu Jintao told visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis Friday that China-Greece relations are in the "best" period of time since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 33 years ago.

 

Hu said both China and Greece are great countries with profound civilizations. The two peoples respect and treat friendly with each other.

 

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have built up sound relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, Hu said.

 

He said the two countries have conducted fruitful exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, shipping, technology, education and tourism. They also coordinate well in multilateral organizations such as the UN, he added.

 

Hu said China and Greece have neither fundamental conflicts in interests nor pendent problems. Under the new historical circumstances, the two countries' building of an all-round strategic partnership will pose important and profound impact on the development of bilateral ties, he said.

 

"We are willing to join hands with Greece to expand bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and promote further development of Sino-Greek all-round strategic partnership." Hu said.

 

Noting Greece-China relations progressed quite well, Karamanlis said Greece sticks to the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan Independence."

 

"We hope to enhance cooperation with China in the fields of shipping, energy, investment, tourism, culture and education." he said.

 

Greece had succeeded in hosting the Olympic Games in 2004 and China will host the 2008 Games, which has provided important opportunities for both sides to enhance cooperation in hosting the Olympics, he said.

 

Greece attaches importance to China's important role in international and regional affairs, and expects to enhance coordination with China, he said.

 

"We are also willing to make positive efforts in lifting obstacles to Sino-European relations and promote overall development of Sino-European relations." he said.

 

Karamanlis arrived in Beijing Thursday morning for a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2006)