China and Greece on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding that could soon lead to direct air links between the two nations.

The new route, operated by Air China, will link Beijing and Athens in the new future. Air China is now approaching related departments for early preparation before a final date is decided.

The new route will benefit people from both nations. As bilateral relations have been enhanced in economics, trade, cultural and Olympics, more convenient air service will gain popularity among the nations' citizens. China can also transfer Chinese goods to central and eastern Europe, via a port in Greece, said Michalis Liapis, minister for Transport and Communications here.

In the past two years, traffic between the two nations has been growing remarkably. The number of Chinese travelers to Greece grew 21 percent in 2005 compared with the previous year. In the first seven months of 2006, the number of Chinese travelers to Greece has already surpassed the 2005 figures.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2006)