The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kostis Chatzidakis, met today with Mr. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, who visits our country as head of the party’s delegation.

During the meeting, there was a reference to the timeless friendship and cooperation of Greece and China, two countries with ancient cultures. The Vice -President stressed that strengthening this cooperation will always move forward with respect to Greece’s commitments to the European Union and NATO.

During the meeting, Mr. Hatzidakis pointed out that there are prospects for further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Between them:

• Expanding exports of Greek products to the large Chinese market.
• The increase in tourist flows between the two countries, utilizing the recent launch of the third direct airline connection between the two countries (Athens -Chengdu).
• The development of cultural exchanges, with a typical example being the founding of the Chinese School of Classical Studies in Athens.

In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister also thanked the Chinese side for its steady support for principles, such as the Cyprus issue and Greece’s request for the return of the Parthenon sculptures.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Foreign Minister, responsible for financial diplomacy, Haris Theocharis and the Secretary General of Coordination, Evi Dramaliotis.