On the 30 of October 2017, following an official invitation, the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, and the Minister of State for Coordinating Government Operations Alekos Flambouraris, together with their spouses visited the residence of Chinese Ambassador Zou Xiaoli. In a cordial and warm atmosphere, guests and hosts held in-depth conversations on topics of mutual interest.

Ambassador Zou Xiaoli spoke to his guests about the meaning and significance of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and the SYRIZA Party for sending their congratulatory messages to President Xi Jinping and the CPC. He also added that using the "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) Initiative as a lodestar, Sino-Greek relations have made great strides, and demonstrate great potential for the future. China is willing to deepen its exchanges and cooperation with Greece in various fields, thus not only benefiting the two countries and their peoples, but also greatly contributing to the development and stability in Southeast Europe, the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Greek Prime Minister emphasized the great importance and far-reaching impact of the decisions taken at the National Congress of the CPC for China, but also for the world at large. COSCO's pioneering investment project in Piraeus has become the "dragon's head" of the Sino-Greek cooperation, paving the way for further Chinese investments in Greece, and helping expand bilateral cooperation. Finally, he underscored the fact that Greece is willing to play a more substantial role in the OBOR Initiative.