Shared Olympic ideals bring nations closer

Both the Greek and Chinese nations are heirs of an immense legacy, which rests on the ideals and achievements of two major civilizations, with universal, ecumenical importance.

Athens handed over to Beijing the role of Olympic Games host, an act that symbolizes our shared values, the basis on which the long Sino-Greek friendship is evolving and developing.

Moreover, the Olympic Ideal expresses mankind's desire to build a world based on the rules of fair play, humanism, reconciliation and tolerance.

Today's Beijing is a cultural, scientific, economic, diplomatic and political center of global significance. The 2008 Olympic Games offer to China a unique opportunity to present its ancient civilization and culture to nations along with its modern achievements.

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing is an ideal opportunity for two major, unique civilizations - Greek and Chinese- to meet and to develop bilateral relations that are not limited to only politics but also extend to economics, culture and civic society.

The organization of the Cultural Year of Greece in China by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture coincides with the 2008 Olympic year, which is a great honor. At the same time it offers a major opportunity to Greece to promote its culture and its modern face in a country where cultural values and traditions are deeply rooted in the minds and day-to-day life of people.

I deeply believe that the events of the Cultural Year will bring the two nations even closer together and will foster friendship and cooperation.

I am also certain that the Beijing Games will make you feel the same pride we felt after the success of the Athens Games.

(China Daily 10/18/2007 page18)