Greek President Karolos Papoulias welcomed at noon on Friday at the Presidential Palace the Chinese Premier Li Kequiang, whom he characterized as a great friend of Greece.

Referring to Greece and China, Mr. Papoulias noted that both countries boast great civilizations which gave much to the world and are in close cooperation with each other. He added that the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister will strengthen this relationship.

For his part, Mr. Li Kequiang referred to the history of the two countries, stressing that during his two-day visit to Greece, he has come to realize the historical basis of this bilateral friendship.

The Chinese Premier also said that he always wanted to visit Greece since -as he said – he is an ardent admirer of the Greek culture. Referring to Mr Papoulias he said he considers him a “good old friend” of China.

It should be noted that Mr. Papoulias will host a luncheon in honor of the Chinese Premier, that will be attended by the Prime minister Antonis Samaras, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Evangelos Venizelos, the Minister of Development, Nikos Dendias, the Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni and the Shipping Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis.