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Vice President Hu Jintao Met with Greek Foreign Minister
2002-04-08 00:00

On the afternoon of April 8, 2002, Vice President Hu Jintao met with Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Papandreou at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu welcomed Papandreou's another visit to China. He said that both China and Greece are ancient civilizations, and the two peoples have feelings of traditional friendship. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, bilateral relations had developed smoothly. In particular,  Top leaders of both sides have made frequent visits in recent years and cooperation in various fields are constantly expanding. The two countries have the same or similar views on many important international issues and have good cooperation in this respect. He expressed appreciation and gratitude for Greece's understanding and support for China on such issues as Taiwan and human rights, as well as its efforts in promoting the relationship between China and the European Union as a member of the EU.

Hu said that China and Greece had no fundamental conflicts of interests, nor issues left over by history. There are solid foundation and broad prospects for the two countries to develop bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Greece to develop new areas and new ways of cooperation so as to further push forward bilateral relations in the new century.

Papandreou thanked Hu for the meeting. He said that he is glad to visit China again. Greece-China relations have been developing very well since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Greece has paid special attention to developing relations with China, and highly appreciated China's important role in international affairs. Greece is willing to reinforce bilateral cooperation and exchanges with China in various fields. Greece will take the rotary chair of the EU in the first half of next year, and would like to take this opportunity to contribute to the development of EU-China relations. Greece and China will host the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008 respectively. Bilateral cooperation in this field will help carry on the Olympic spirit and open a new chapter in bilateral relations.

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