China and Greece will further enhance cooperation in hosting the Olympic Games and in the cultural, educational and tourist fields, according to a joint statement issued on Thursday.

China and Greece established a joint commission on cooperation in hosting the Olympic Games in July, 2005 and the commission held its first meeting last December in Beijing.

"China and Greece will support the work of the joint commission, which will direct and coordinate the two countries' cooperation in hosting the Olympic Games," the statement said.

The two sides will also strengthen cooperation in the field of security to maintain smooth operation of forthcoming Olympic Games, according to the statement.

As both countries have rich cultural relics, China and Greece are willing to promote cooperation in cultural exchanges, it said, noting China will launch a Greek Culture Year in 2008.

The two sides will take measures to develop cooperation in the aviation, tourism and education sectors, the statement said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2006)