ATHENS, Jan. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis asserted here on Saturday that his upcoming visit to China will promote and upgrade the relations between Greece and China to strategic partnership for the benefits of the two countries and peoples. 

In an exclusive interview in his office with Xinhua, Karamanlis said that the successive hosting of Olympic Games by Greece and China has greatly upgraded and increased the quality of the bilateral ties.

He said that it is the right time to promote the bilateral ties to a new high. 

The prime minister stressed that Greece and China have the duty and strong common incentive to contribute "in order to promote peace, stability, prosperity around the world", noting that "China is a very important country with a very important political role on the international level" while Greece is a member of the EU and NATO and a non-permanent member of the UN security council.

"There is no doubt that especially nowadays, in the framework of the current international situation, both sides should intensify their efforts and co-operation in order to bring peoples of different civilizations closer and thus to contribute to international peace and security," he said.

"The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is going to be concluded during my imminent visit to China, is a milestone in our bilateral relations, setting the framework for an enhanced future co-operation," he added.

He expressed his hope that his first official visit to China, scheduled for Jan. 19 - 22, will greatly enhance the cooperation between the two ancient civilizations in all areas, especially in the fields of trade, tourism, cultural and educational cooperation.

"As far as economic relations are concerned, I believe there is great potential for the development, among others, of the areas of commerce, merchant marine and tourism."

The prime minister told Xinhua that Greece, with its geographic advantage, has tried hard to attract foreign investments including Chinese investors. 

"We are establishing a flexible and efficient market that looks forward and outward and welcome investors from all around the world and China in particular," he said.

He elaborated that one of Greece's main comparative advantages is its position at the heart of the fast developing region of Southeast Europe.

"We have been eliminating the various barriers that discourage private investment by reducing bureaucracy," he added.

Referring to the bilateral cooperation on Olympic Games, Karamanlis promised that his country will try its best to help China host a successful Olympics.

"I would like to assure you that Greece will assist in every possible way the effort of the Chinese government so that the Games of Beijing will be outstanding in all aspects, and a true reflection of the long history and rich culture of China, as well as its current status as a world political and economic power."