Wang Yi held talks with Greek Foreign Minister Dendías

On October 27, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Greek Foreign Minister Dendías in Athens.

Wang Yi said that Greece is the first stop of this visit to Europe, which reflects the great importance that China attaches to Sino-Greek relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Greece have always adhered to the historical vision, conformed to the trend of the times, respected each other, understood each other, trusted each other and supported each other, and set an example of exchanges between different countries and civilizations. The two sides should continue to support each other's core interests and major concerns, further deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and promote new progress in the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang Yi said that Greece is an important partner in jointly building the "Belt and Road". The Chinese side is pleased to see that as a symbol of bilateral cooperation and a flagship project for jointly building the "Belt and Road", the construction cooperation of the port of Piraeus has been smoothly promoted, providing an important boost to the development of Greece. China is willing to continue to work with the Greek side to build The Port of Belgium into a world-class port with both land and sea and diversified development. The two sides should also continue to jointly build the "Belt and Road" with high quality, step up the preparation of the implementation plan for intergovernmental cooperation, expand cooperation in key areas, and expand mutual investment. China welcomes Greek enterprises to actively participate in the China International Import Expo and hopes that Greece will continue to provide an open and fair market environment for Chinese enterprises.

Wang Yi said that the development concepts of China and Greece have many commonalities. Welcome Greece's active participation in President Xi Jinping's "Global Development Initiative" and jointly contribute to promoting the international community to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dendíaz said that greece attaches importance to and agrees with the "global development initiative" proposed by President Xi Jinping. Dendíaz said that Greece-China relations have become closer and stronger in the joint fight against the epidemic. Greece is willing to continue to support each other and strengthen communication and coordination on international and multilateral affairs. The Greek side is satisfied and proud that the two sides have successfully completed the collection and handover of the spark for the Beijing Winter Olympics and jointly built the Bigang project into a successful model of Investment cooperation between Greece and China. The Greek side believes that China's future is unlimited and is full of confidence in the development of bilateral relations. Greece will implement the key cooperation projects of the "Belt and Road", look forward to continuing to expand cooperation with China in various fields such as economy and trade, energy, shipping, shipbuilding, etc., and welcome Chinese enterprises to continue to invest in Greece.

The two sides agreed to jointly hold the China-Greece Year of Cultural Tourism and strengthen local exchanges.

When talking about China-EU relations, Wang Yi said that China and the EU are partners, not opponents; they are collaborators, not competitors. China has always supported the development and growth of the EU, the EU integration process and the EU's enhanced strategic autonomy. China and the EU should adhere to mutual respect, exchanges on an equal footing, enhance understanding and manage differences. At present, we should especially guard against and prevent individual countries from challenging the one-China principle and undermining the attempts of China and the EU to achieve political mutual trust. Dendías agreed, stressing that EU-China cooperation has broad prospects and helps the EU become an independent and powerful international power.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern, such as Afghanistan, the Eastern Mediterranean and Libya. (Reporter Wang Yuguo)