He Guoqiang, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met with Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on the comprehensive strategic partnership between their nations, during a stopover in Athens over the weekend.

At a meeting with 80-year-old President Papoulias on Friday, He said both China and Greece were countries with long histories and great civilizations and the two peoples enjoyed amicable friendship.

He said that China-Greece relations ushered in a new stage of development in 2006 when both countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership, according to a statement by the International Department of the CPC Central Committee on Monday.

He, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, conveyed the regards of Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to their Greek counterparts, and said the exchange of visits between Hu and Papoulias last year vigorously boosted the growth of bilateral relations.

He, who is also secretary of the CPC's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said the Chinese government appreciated the Greek government's support for Beijing hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Papoulias echoed He's comments on bilateral ties, saying the Greece-China comprehensive strategic partnership did not stop at paperwork, but worked for the two peoples everyday.

On the CPC's six decades of governance, Papoulias said he admired new China's founder Mao Zedong and his thoughts, adding Mao's thoughts had greatly influenced his life's experiences.

Papoulias said Greece was happy to see that the CPC had carried forward Mao’s thoughts, on the basis it put forward the "Scientific Outlook on Development," and led the Chinese people to making repeated progress.

In reply, He said the Chinese people have always kept in mind that "there would be no new China without Chairman Mao."

As this year marked the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, He reviewed how the past and current generations of leadership had overcome difficulties after difficulties and strived to build a socialist country with Chinese characteristics.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Karamanlis on Saturday, He said as both countries were committed to developing their own economies, thus it was significant for both countries to step up cooperation.

He appreciated the understanding and support the Greek government offered on issues concerning China's core interests.

He called on both countries to deepen cooperation and seek joint development.

Karamanlis said Greece and China enjoyed sound ties in politics, economy and investment, among other fields.

On Saturday evening, He attended a lavish opening ceremony of Greece’s new Acropolis Museum, which houses more than 4,000 ancient works, including some of the best surviving classical sculptures that once adorned the Acropolis.

Karamanlis said He's attendance at the opening signified that Greece-China friendship had reached a higher level.

At the ceremony, He also met with a number of other foreign dignitaries including European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura and other heads of state and government.

Before his stopover in Athens, He visited Egypt and Spain. The two-week tour will also take him to Jordan and Mongolia.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2009)