On June 3, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji held talks with
visiting Greek Prime Minister Constantine Simitis at the
Great Hall of the People. In a warm and friendly atmosphere,
the two sides exchanged in-depth views and reached broad
consensus on bilateral relations and the international and
regional issues of common concern in a frank and sincere
way.
Premier Zhu first welcomed
Prime Minister Simitis. He said that Simitis is the first
Greek Prime Minister to visit China in 16 years. This year
marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of
Sino-Greek diplomatic relations. Zhu believed that the visit
would deepen the understanding and friendship between the
two countries and the two peoples, and promote further
development of the Sino-Greek relationship in the new
century.
Zhu said that since China and Greek
forged diplomatic relationship 30 years ago, the two
countries have developed their relations smoothly. There is
no unsettled issues between the two countries. The constant
contacts maintained between the leaders of the two countries
have played an irreplaceable role in enhancing the mutual
understanding and mutually beneficial coorperation betweent
the two sides. The two sides have carried out smooth
coorperation in the fields of science and technology,
culture, economy and trade, shared the same or similar views
on many major international issues and cooperated well in
the international affairs. Zhu extended his appreciation for Greece's adherence
to the One China policy, its understanding of China's
position on human rights and its standing for dialogue and
against confrontation. He said that both China and Greece
are at a vital developing stage in today's ever
mutil-polarizing and economically globalizing world. China
is willing to make concerted efforts with Greece to promote
bilateral ties.
Zhu made four proposals:
1. Continue to maintain the good momentum of
bilateral ties to improve mutual understanding;
2. Enhance cooperation to boost balanced and
healthy trade and economic cooperation;
3.
Promote non-governmental cooperation alongside official ones
to expand bilateral cooperation in tourism, science and
technology, sports, culture, and strengthen
cooperation in the renewable resources, biology
technology, telecommunications and other high tech fields;
4. Increase cooperation on preparations for
the Olympic Games to highlight the cultural feature of the
Games.
Simitis felt quite pleased to visit
China at the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the
diplomatic relations between the two countreis. He said that
both Greece and China have long cultural traditions, which
is the bridge for mutual understanding and communication
between the two countries. He said that at present both
countries are faced with the common task of developing their
respective economies and are dedicated to the cause, which
provides an opportunity for the development of the bilateral
relations.
Simitis said he is satisfied with
the development of bilateral trade and economic cooperation,
holding that the bilateral trade volume has increased
rapidly and cooperation in such fields as shipping and
technology has advanced smoothly. He noted that the
potential in the economic and trade field is still great and
prospects broad. The Greek government is willing to promote
cooperation in culture, tourism and agriculture, and
especially in hosting the Olympic Games with
China, to push forward the bilateral
relations.
Simitis said that Greece will be the
rotating chair of the European Union (EU) in the first half
of next year, saying that the Greek government hopes to play
an active role in promoting ties between the EU and China.
The Greek side believes that China has made magnificent
achievenments in economic construction and social
development and the EU should pay more attention to the
development of its relations with China.
Simitis reiterated that Greece would adhere to
the One China policy and support the reunification
cause of China. He appreciated the important and active role
China plays in international affairs, saying that China
should play a more important role in a multi-polar
world.
The two sides also exchanged opinions on
current international situation, the Middle East issue,
South Asian situation and other international and regional
issues.
After the talks, Zhu and Simitis
attended the signing ceremony for three cooperation
agreements.
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