Xi calls for stronger ties with Greece

President also hopes Czech Republic can play a positive role for China-EU dialogue

President Xi Jinping highlighted on Wednesday the need to carry forward the relations between China and Greece in order to facilitate post-pandemic economic recovery and enable the two ancient civilizations to contribute their wisdom to the improvement of global governance.

The two sides should maintain mutual understanding and extend support for each other regarding their respective core interests and major concerns, and set an example of friendship and mutual trust for the international community, Xi told Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during their telephone conversation.

Xi said he appreciated that Mitsotakis offered congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, saying that the CPC is willing to work with all peace-loving nations and people to uphold the values of peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom shared by all mankind and to make greater contributions to world peace and human progress.

Xi urged the two nations to work more closely together in jointly building the Belt and Road and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries, through which the two nations can set up a model for win-win cooperation and an example for the international community of mutual learning between civilizations.

Xi noted that China and Greece, as two ancient civilizations, have both experienced hardships and glories in the course of their development and held similar concepts about the progress in human civilization and the reform in international order.

With this year marking the 15th anniversary of their establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and next year marking the 50th anniversary of their establishing bilateral diplomatic ties, Xi called upon the two sides to boost exchanges in governance experience, deepen traditional friendship and pragmatic cooperation and to bring their relations to a new level.

It fits in with the interests of both China and the European Union and follows the trends of times to conduct dialogues in the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while putting aside differences and pursuing openness and win-win cooperation, he said, adding that he hopes that Greece can also play a positive role in this regard.

Mitsotakis said the CPC has not only changed the future and destiny of China but also altered the course of global development, adding that he believes China will continue to secure greater achievements under Xi's leadership.

Greece attaches great importance to relations with China, and it is willing to expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, economics, tourism and green development, he said.

Xi also spoke by telephone on Wednesday with Milos Zeman, president of the Czech Republic.

With the global landscape undergoing complex and profound changes and human society facing common challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is in keeping with the trends of times and the common aspirations of both peoples to maintain and develop the bilateral relations, Xi said.

Xi said he hopes more Czech people can see China and its development in the right perspective, can stay committed to bilateral communication and cooperation and properly handle relevant issues so as to make the bilateral ties healthy and vigorous.

Win-win cooperation

The two countries should make good use of platforms such as the Belt and Road, deepen their cooperation in fighting the pandemic, promote the opening of businesses and economic recovery and encourage two-way investment and trade, he said.

Xi highlighted the need for both countries to create more opportunities for joint development, saying that he hopes the Czech side can play a positive role for the dialogue and win-win cooperation between China and the EU.

Zeman offered his congratulations for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying he hopes that China will attain even greater achievements under Xi's leadership.

The Czech side remains committed to friendly cooperation with China, and the nation is willing to rise above distractions, seek closer communication with China and ensure the healthy and smooth development of bilateral ties, he said.