On Feb. 25-27, 2009, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo paid a visit to Greece at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece. During the visit, Wu and Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis held political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries. Both sides had an in-depth exchange of views on furthering bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and discussed the global financial crisis and other regional and international issues.
Assistant Foreign Minister Wu Hongbo (2nd R); Ambassador Luo Linquan (3rd R); Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis (1st L)
Wu made positive comments on the sound momentum of the development of the Chinese-Greek comprehensive strategic partnership, saying that China is ready to work with Greece to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by both sides during President Hu Jintao’s visit to Greece in 2008. He urged both sides to continue to increase the friendship and mutual trust and enhance exchanges and cooperation on economy, trade, marine transportation and culture, as well as communication and coordination between the two Foreign Ministries.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kassimis said it is easy for Greece and China, both ancient civilizations, to understand and support each other in ideology and both sides enjoy a firm basis of public opinion for their comprehensive strategic partnership. Greece is ready to work with China to contribute to the continuous development of Greece-China, EU-China friendly cooperative relations and deal with the challenges posed by the global financial crisis, which is in the fundamental interest of both sides.
Following the consultation, Wu and Kassimis jointly met with the journalists and took their questions. Chinese Ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan accompanied Wu during relevant activities.