(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-01-03 07:26

This article is an interview with the Greek ambassador to China Michael Kambani conducted online by www.chinadaily.com.cn.

Q: Greece was the host country of the last summer Olympic Games and also the birthplace of the Games. As China is preparing for this year's Olympic Games, what are your views on its preparation work?

A: The experience of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games has taught me that the key to organizing a successful Games is having ready in time both the "hardware", that is the infrastructure, and the "software", that is the people.

The determination of the Chinese government to get it right is very obvious and from this aspect China has nothing to worry about. I am also very pleased to see that the Chinese people have embraced the Olympic Games and its ideals - for example the torch relay across the country.

The enthusiasm that the Olympic Games is generating across the country is the best ingredient for the successful Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and it can make up for any shortcomings in the "hardware".

I cannot help myself from thinking about the unselfishness, zeal and devotion that Greek people and volunteers demonstrated during the summer of 2004. They significantly contributed to the successful story of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The Chinese people must keep this momentum live to the end and not lose their flair. It is like running in a speed race, the last meter is where athletes must give the best of themselves.

I wish all success to the Beijing Olympic Games 2008.

Q: What kind of expectations do you have about Beijing's Olympic Games. Will you visit the Games if you get the opportunity?

A: As a citizen and ambassador of the country that is the cradle of the Olympic Games I cannot hide my pleasure in the fact that after the successful Athens Olympic Games, it is now the turn of Beijing.

From a country with most ancient Western civilization it is now the turn of the country with most ancient Eastern civilization. I mention this because it is my understanding that the Games are not just about sports, but a great opportunity to develop the link between sport and culture in all its forms, to encourage cultural exchange and promote the diversity of cultures.

Therefore, I perceive the huge cultural background of China as a guarantee of a significant cultural dimension for the Games.

I am going to participate in the Games both as a spectator and as a torch-bearer, representing my country and wholeheartedly wishing the Chinese hosts every success.

Q: What comes to mind when you review the relationship of your country and China in the year 2007. How do you expect this relationship to further develop in 2008?

A: There is no doubt that 2007, as well as the previous years, were fruitful ones for Sino-Hellenic relations. Of course the focus of the Chinese side was on the preparation of the Olympic Games and, therefore, the transmission of Olympic expertise was the key issue in most of the meetings between officials of the two countries.

In all cases the Greek side demonstrated effectively its unconditional support to the Chinese Olympic cause. In return for our unselfish approach to the Games issue we received the gratitude and the understanding of the Chinese officials, as well as an informal invitation to develop closer cooperation in other aspects of social life, such as culture.

The organization of the Cultural Year of Greece in China from September 2007 to September 2008 is one good example.

In the years ahead we would like to witness the expansion of our bilateral relations in new fields and on a more permanent basis. It is my understanding that modern Greece and China are very much alike in the sense that they are the heirs of ancient civilizations and accumulated wisdom of thousands of years.

It is my understanding that this kind of "common link" will inevitably lead to the further development of cooperation between the two peoples in the years to come.

(China Daily 01/03/2008 page9)