Greek President sends "warmest" message to mark China's National Day

The President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos sent a message to the Chinese people on Saturday to mark the 66th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, urging for further promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and people.

"On the occasion of your national day I seize the opportunity to convey to you the warmest wishes of an ancient people, the Greek people, to another people with a long history throughout centuries, the Chinese people," Pavlopoulos said in the message to China's National Day which falls on Oct. 1.

The Greek president stressed that the two people who are distinguished thanks to their ability of rebirth and revival, have put their indelible marks in world history as two of the most ancient and great civilizations who have passed on to the world the philosophy, sciences and arts that flourished in the two countries.

Highlighting the significance of the ancient Silk Road as a road for transferring merchandise and ideas, the Greek leader welcomed the revival of the Silk Road and the key role Piraeus port holds in connecting China with Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East today.

In particular the sea has become a linking element for the two people with Greek ships transferring Chinese products, Chinese shipyards building Greek vessels and Greek cruise ships accommodating Chinese tourists who enjoy the Greek summer, the Greek President noted, reminding that 2015 was declared as Year of Sino-Greek Maritime Cooperation.

Chinese investments in Piraeus and several sectors of the economy during the Greek debt crisis have been praised as a vote of confidence in Greek economy's prospects over the past five years.

"Greece, after a difficult period for its economy, has decided to stand on its feet again and open its gates to international cooperation. In our endeavor, we would like China to hold a substantial role, not only because it is the most dynamic economy today, but also because in difficult moments, China offered us the support of a good friend," Pavlopoulos underlined.

The Greek president called for more Chinese enterprises to invest in Greece and more Greek products to reach Chinese and Asian markets, as well as for the strengthening of cooperation in the education and cultural sectors to further build bilateral collaboration on a more solid basis.

China and Greece need more young people who understand the reality, the language and the mentality of the two countries, Pavlopoulos said, suggesting further connection of museums and libraries, scientists and artists.

"I would like to assure you that Greece is moving forward with great zest on the road that leads to the strengthening of its ties with China," Pavlopoulos stated. Enditem