Old civilizations, new affinities

At the closing ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games, Greece handed over, with great joy and emotion, the Olympic Flag to the Chinese people and the city of Beijing.

Three years later, we see the organization of the 2008 Olympic Games as yet one more link in the strong bond of friendship and cooperation that joins us in addition to the traditionally excellent relations between our two countries and peoples.

It is within this framework that bilateral cooperation between our countries has seen considerable expansion over the past years. These close ties are now crowned by the declaration of the Games' year as "Cultural Year of Greece in China " and the organization, on behalf of the Greek Ministry of Culture, of a series of events that comprise the Year's cultural program.

Commencing in September 2007 and closing in September 2008, the "Cultural Year of Greece in China" will attempt to display to China the Culture of Greece and the nation of Greece itself, both contemporary and through the ages.

Aside from further strengthening the ties between the world's two oldest civilizations, among the aims of the "Cultural Year of Greece in China " is using the opportunity provided to showcase post-Olympics Greece and the possibilities it represents.

In other words, it aims to present a country that respects and honors the heritage of its historical past and at the same time dares to forge new courses in development and creativity; a country that responds with energy and dynamism to the challenges of our times.

I hope that our Chinese friends, who will watch the various events of this Cultural Year of Greece, will become better acquainted with Greek civilization and Greece, and thus feel even closer to us and our culture.

May the citizens of Beijing organize an Olympic Games that will make the people of China proud of their achievement.

(China Daily 10/18/2007 page18)