” There is a climate of mutual trust, cordiality and productive discussion between Greece and China on all issues of concern, which will be amplified in the future,” said the Greek Prime Minister Mr. Antonis Samaras on his joint statement after the meeting with China’s Prime Minister Mr. Li Ketsiangk at the Maximou Mansion (Prime Minister’s office), who is making an official 3day visit to our country. He also added: “Greece can become China’s portal to Europe as well as the outset of a European corridor to and from Europe and the Far East.”
Mr. Samaras noted that his conversation with Mr. Ketsingk covered a wide range of topics in international and bilateral level, and referred to him as a “friend.” He also expressed his profound appreciation for the country’s support in Greece’s difficult times over the last few years. Further, he stated that “Greece surpasses recession, and makes a comeback in financial markets, while regains its position in Europe and the world.
We also have been examining overall strategic ways of cooperation between Greece and China since 2006 until today and big progress has been made “.
“The bilateral political dialogue will be strengthen by contacts with ministers and political leadership with a specific agenda and specific steps. Much of the talk was about trade and economic cooperation. I am very happy with the appreciation that the Chinese leadership has in Greece’s “, “noted the Greek Prime Minister.
Tomorrow Mr. Samaras and Mr. Ketsingk will visit the campus of Cosco and will exchange views on further development and strengthening. “The interface of Piraeus to the rail network will become a major transit hub between Europe and the Far East. We have already completed the first major agreements and we are now discussing new and even bigger ones”, said Samaras and added:” With the Chinese friend Prime Minister we exchanged ideas for further development of bilateral trade. We concluded that there is potential for boosting trade. This year we expect about 20 million tourists, which is a record number. ”
Amongst others Mr. Samaras referred to cultural relations. The signature of establishing cultural centers will contribute to the deepening of relations and the development of knowledge of one country to another. We feel delighted that the ancient Greek civilization taught in universities in China with great success. The Prime Minister announced that for the first time, starting in the academic year of 2015-2016 Chinese language will be teach at the University of Athens and as a result ” a window of continuous communication between the two cultures of China and Greece will open, since the two countries have left their own footprint in the East and West respectively, “noted the Prime Minister.
The Greek people have the wisdom to overcome the crisis, said the Chinese Prime Minister
The Chinese prime minister took point in the ongoing discussion by praising the culture of Greece from the earliest times, and spoke about the similar attitudes between the two countries. Referring to the Greek economic crisis, the Chinese Prime Minister said that “the Greek people have the intelligence and ability to overcome obstacles,” while emphasized that China will provide all possible support possible.
Replying to questions, Mr. Ketsiangk noted that “the global economic recovery is facing challenges and obstacles. I agree with Mr. Samaras that the port of Piraeus can be developed in such a way as to become a commercial hub, marking the soaring of a battered economic activity. This year, the Chinese economy has been under pressure but continues to grow steadily. In the first quarter growth was at 7.4% against the target of 7.5%. The common objective is to coordinate the economic growth rate of around 7.5% and create 10 million new jobs. We give great importance on structural reforms in order for the Chinese economy to grow steadily. ”
He also stated his belief, that the Greek people have the wisdom and capability to overcome the sovereign debt crisis, and declared that “China is always going to be a strong supporter for Greece.” Moreover, publicly congratulated Mr. Samaras for managing to return Greece to international markets by issuing bonds in May with a low interest rate. “The successful issuance of the bonds indicates that the Greek people can overcome the debt crisis. The Chinese government supports the Greek government and hopes that its continues to reform, “said Mr. Ketsiangk and announced that if Greece issues bonds, China” will be a longtime supporter. ” It will encourage Chinese consumers to buy Greek products.
The Chinese Prime Minister subsequently stated that “It’s my first visit to the southern regions as Prime Minister of China. My feelings towards Greece are very friendly and I truly feel like home. Greece and China are countries with ancient great civilization, one illuminates the East and the other the West , a huge contribution to the development of humanity. There are many similar attitudes between Greece and China. During the riot in Libya Greece helped to repatriate thousands of Chinese. Thank you. When Greece faced the crisis China had confidence in its ability to overcome it. China is willing to offer, the relationship can be mutually beneficial. We are old friends with Mr.Samaras. In last years meeting we had a long and frank discussion. Now we want the ministers to implement the agreements we have reached. The speech of Mr. Samaras is mine because we have many things in common, “he said, the Chinese Prime Minister in his statement at the Maximou Mansion.
Finally, the Greek Prime Minister thanked his Chinese counterpart which kept his promise and a year after the former’s visit to Beijing, visited Greece, and has stated that “he is ensuring a relationship of friendship, stability and mutual respect” between the two oldest civilizations of the world.
Earlier today, shortly before 15.30 p.m, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang arrived at Athens International Airport, where he was welcome by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his wife. The Chinese PM got off the plane holding the hand of his wife. The two couples exchanged handshakes and warm smiles.
The Chinese Prime Minister will be holding a three-day visit to Greece, while his dominant purpose is to close all the “open fronts” in connection to the port of Piraeus, and confirm the investment interest of his country in a series of other sectors. He also wishes to consolidate the Chinese presence in Greece, which in turn is the Eastern Gateway to the EU.
The first stop of the Prime Ministers was in Syntagma square, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where they were scheduled to pay their respects with a wreath. The Chinese Prime Minister deposited the wreath and stood at attention while the National Anthem of Greece played.
The two PMs are currently at Maximou Mansion, the offices of the Greek Prime Minister, where they are holding a formal meeting, while there will be a signing of memoranda of understanding and bilateral agreements in the fields of shipping, infrastructure, tourism and exports. After the meeting, there will be joint statements of the two prime minister. The Samaras couple will host a dinner for the Chinese PM couple in the Acropolis Museum, following a private tour.
Wanting to emphasize the importance that Mr. Samaras places in China as a star in the major investment programs which are already underway, besides the Chinese PM with which he will be coordinating with, Mr. Samaras will also meet with delegation members accompany Mr. Keqiang.
The two Prime Ministers will be visiting Cosco’s Piraeus facilities on Friday morning, while they will address the symposium of “China – Greece, Shipping Investments Trade”, in the afternoon. The Chinese PM will be meeting the Greek President around midday. He will also be visiting Crete, accompanied by Mr. Samaras.
It should be noted that today and tomorrow, beyond the formal talks, the program includes a total of 19 Greco-Chinese agreements’ signings, worth over 6.4 billion U.S. dollars.
The Greek government does not hide its satisfaction with the Chinese Prime Minister’s trip, which will mark his country’s decision towards major investments for Greece.
