Greece represents a constant journey in time

When in Greece, one visits the birthplace of philosophy, poetry, art and crafts.

When in Greece, one traces the ancient tracks of principles and values that led to democracy as we know it today.

Beyond the shadow of a doubt, the historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern world.

Land of the blue Aegean Sea, of sun-drenched whitewashed villages and people, Greece is abundant in natural resources that constitute its special comparative advantage, with variety, uniqueness and distinctiveness mainly characterizing these resources.

A country that, although statistically small, is huge in its diversity.

A landscape that has given us thousands of picture postcard images but remains incredibly vibrant and impossible to capture.

Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time, from the present to the past and back again.

During the 2004 Olympic Games, Greece had the opportunity to present a country that respects and honors the historical past while setting new goals for the future.

In the post-Olympic era, our country holds one of the best positions in world tourism rankings, a fact that is of extreme significance within the framework of ever increasing competition in global tourism.

Today, the already established dynamics of Greece continue to be its biggest challenge, creating great expectations and responsibilities. For this purpose, the "Cultural Year of Greece in China", which started this September and will be completed in September 2008, attempts to present the modern and also diachronic character of Greek cultural heritage to the people of China.

Greece and China, although seemingly different, have a lot in common; after all, they constitute the world's oldest civilizations.

Apart from further strengthening the strong ties of both countries, the "Cultural Year of Greece in China" offers the opportunity to present modern Greece as a country that satisfies the needs and expectations of every visitor.

Tourism development constitutes a national priority for Greece and we will continue to be tireless in our efforts in this capacity.

I am certain that the "Cultural Year of Greece in China" will be a great success, bringing our Chinese friends closer to Greece and its great culture.

I would like to express my best wishes for the Olympic Games of 2008 to be truly outstanding and to make the Chinese people as proud as the 2004 Olympics made us.

The author is Greece Tourism Minister

(China Daily 10/18/2007 page19)