Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is currently on an official visit to China from November 2 to 3, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This visit marks a significant step in deepening the connections between two ancient civilizations, aiming to develop diplomatic relations, build mutually beneficial partnerships, and enhance strategic and economic ties.
Greece and China have been complete strategic partners for 51 years, characterized by long-standing diplomatic relations, mutual understanding, and collaboration that promotes peaceful coexistence. Greece is a strong supporter of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and China's investment in COSCO Shipping in Piraeus has elevated Greece's main port to a competitive global hub.
China continually evaluates its relationship with Greece, recognizing the strategic importance of their partnership. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping was welcomed by Mitsotakis in Greece, where Xi visited the Piraeus Port—a flagship project of the China-Greece Belt and Road partnership. This visit led to the signing of 16 new agreements focused on infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy projects, yielding significant cultural and economic benefits.
Xi's visit to Greece not only bolstered the bilateral relationship but also enhanced China's collaboration with Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC). Prime Minister Mitsotakis' ongoing visit underscores Greece's unwavering commitment to its partnership with China, highlighting the mutually beneficial cooperation that serves as a model for China's engagement with other European nations.
One of Greece's key objectives is to position Athens as a diplomatic and economic bridge between Europe and Asia. By participating in the BRI, Greece is strengthening its role as a vital maritime center for European trade with Asia. The benefits of the BRI extend beyond Greece and China, facilitating connections between Asia and Europe through initiatives like the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Line, which originates at Piraeus Port, as well as traditional marine routes and China-Europe freight trains.
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Greek PM's China visit will inject new impetus into bilateral ties
cgtn.com
