His intention to become a volunteer to promote Greek tourism in China was expressed by president of China Xi Jinping, during the meeting he had in Rhodes with president Karolos Papoulias.

The meeting which was held in a great atmosphere, had Mr. Papoulias saying that the visit of the Chinese President less than a month after the visit of the Chinese PM in Greece confirms the strengthening of bilateral relations. At the same wavelength were the statements of PM Antonis Samaras during the reception of the Chinese president, where he noted that the frequent contacts between leaders of the two countries underline the desire for greater cooperation between theh two countries.

The Chinese president spoke very highly of the Greek President which he characterized as an important and political old friend of China, stressing that he  personally attaches great importance to relations between the two countries.

During this time, the scheduled visit of the Chinese President with PM Antonis Samaras in the Castle of the Knights Hospitaller in Rhodes is underway.