Senior official of the Communist Party of China, He Guoqiang, has met with Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis in Greece.

They spoke highly of the development of bilateral ties in recent years, and pledged to promote further cooperation.

He Guoqiang expressed Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao's greetings to the Greek leaders.

When meeting with Greek President Papoulias, He Guoqiang said that the peoples of the two ancient nations have developed deep friendship. And that bilateral relations have entered a new phase since the establishment of an overall strategic partnership in 2006. He said that the mutual visit by the two presidents in 2008 greatly contributed to bilateral ties. He Guoqiang expressed gratitude to Papoulias and the Greek government for their support regarding the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Papoulias said that Greece-China relationship is not only expressed on paper, but benefits the people in practical ways everyday. Talking about the 60th anniversary of the CPC coming to power, Papoulias said that he is very respectful to Mao Zedong and Mao Zedong thought, saying that it has had a great impact on his life.

He Guoqiang said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China which was founded by Mao Zedong. He said that under different generations of the leaders, China is now implementing a scientific approach to development, in order to bring the country's development to new heights.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Karamanlis, He Guoqiang thanked the Greek government's support and understanding toward China on many significant issues. He said that China is willing to cooperate with Greece to push forward an over-all strategic partnership.

Karamanlis said Greece and China share good ties in politics, economic cooperation, and investment cooperation.

He Guoqiang later attended the opening ceremony of the Acropolis Museum in Athens at the invitation of the Greek government.