Chinese, Greek leaders begin talks on bilateral relations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-24 23:46

ATHENS - Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met his Greek counterpart Karolos Papoulias in Athens Monday for talks on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Greece.

The talks started only hours after his arrival in Athens for a state visit.

The two leaders are expected to exchange views on bilateral issues and other issues of common concern.

In a written statement issued upon his arrival, President Hu said:" With the joint efforts of both sides, I believe, my current visit would be successful and would further boost the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership".

Since China and Greece established diplomatic ties 36 years ago, bilateral relations have developed smoothly. In January 2006, the two countries agreed to forge a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Since then, the Sino-Greek relationship has entered a new development stage. The two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges, deepened mutual political trust and expanded economic and trade cooperation.

In 2007, the two-way trade was recorded at US$3.4 billion, and in the first seven months of this year it reached US$2.4 billion.

In June this year, Greek President Karolos Papoulias visited China and had talks with President Hu. The two sides reached broad consensus on further expanding exchanges and cooperation in all areas and deepening China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership.

Prior to the visit to Greece, the last leg of his five-nation trip, the Chinese leader attended the G20 summit on financial markets and the world economy in Washington and paid state visits to Costa Rica, Cuba and Peru.