The Chinese government highly values China's strategic partnership with Greece and is willing to make joint efforts to strengthen cooperative relations in various fields between the two countries, State Councilor Hua Jianmin said in Athens on Tuesday.

 

Hua on Tuesday held talks with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Foreign Minister Theodora Bakoyianni, respectively.

 

During his meetings, Hua said 2007 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Greece, and the Chinese government appreciates Greece's adherence to the one-China policy.

 

China hopes to step up cooperation with Greece in sectors like sea transportation, tourism and investment, and welcomes Greek shipbuilders to build ships in China, said Hua.

 

Hua said that China is willing to draw on Greece's experience of hosting the Olympic Games and protecting historical relics. The Chinese government will give full support to Greece to hold "the Year of Greece" in China in 2008, Hua said.

 

Papoulias said that Greece is willing to make joint efforts with China to make bilateral ties much closer. The president also wished the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games great success.

 

Prime Minister Karamanlis said the Greek government highly values its relations with China and takes China's development as an opportunity. Greece is willing to strengthen cooperation in trade, sea transportation, the Olympics and tourism.

 

Bakoyianni said that the Greek government appreciates China's support in international issues and will unswervingly adhere to the one-China policy in the future.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2007)