China, Greece pledge to deepen strategic partnership
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Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou clap hands after signing an agreement in Athens Oct 2, 2010. [China Daily/Agencies] |
China and Greece issued a joint statement on Saturday, pledging to enhance their cooperation in various fields in an effort to deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
In a joint statement issued during the visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, the two countries expressed willingness to maintain frequent visits by leaders from both sides and enhance mutual political trust.
"The Greek government respects China's territorial integrity, reaffirms its adherence to the one China policy and supports the development of cross-Strait relations and China's reunification," the statement said.
Both sides also agreed to promote the development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership.
Greece will continue to play a positive role in discussions within the EU over the recognition of China's full market economy status, which Athens believes is of great political significance, as China has made substantial progress on the issue within the framework of the World Trade Organization, said the statement.
Hoping for a just, lasting and feasible solution to the Cyprus issue based on relevant UN resolutions, the two countries support the mediation efforts by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Greece is willing to cooperate with China in their joint fight against pirates and safeguard the international shipping, according to the statement. The two countries also agree to discuss the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the issue.
Both governments said they are ready to boost dialogue and cooperation to address climate change and make the upcoming UN climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico, achieve positive results.
The two sides agree that the international financial crisis did not alter the long-term trend of world economic development. The global economy is gradually recovering but still with uncertainties.
"It is necessary for countries all round the world to strengthen coordination on their macro-economic policies to push forward a full-fledged recovery of the world economy," said the statement.
The Greek side highly appreciates the contribution of China's robust economic growth to the efforts of the international community to cope with the financial crisis.
China supports Greece in firmly carrying out structural reforms and cutting its fiscal deficits to improve competitiveness. China welcomes the EU and the IMF's rescue package for Greece and stands ready to help Greece out of recession.
The two sides agree that it is necessary to further reform the international financial system and reinforce the supervision of developed economies and beef up the monitoring of cross-border capital flow, according to the statement.
Both sides are against trade and investment protectionism in any form. They support a staunch adherence to WTO rules and removal of trade barriers. They are ready to promote the Doha trade talks aimed at prompting countries to open their markets.
The two countries agree to deepen maritime cooperation. They will carry out cooperation programs in Piraeus Pier, upgrading it to a distributing and transferring center for Asian exports to Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea.
They also agree to promote a balanced development of two-way trade. China encourages its enterprises to import more Greek products.
The statement said the two countries agree to explore new areas of cooperation, enhancing cooperation in the fields of transportation service, information and telecommunications, infrastructure building, new energy and processing of agricultural products.
They agree to boost agricultural cooperation, especially the cooperation on the quality and safety criteria, the quality test and certification of agricultural products.
The two sides agree to strengthen tourism cooperation. The aviation authorities of the two countries will try their utmost to resume direct flights between the two countries.
China and Greece are also willing to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges.
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