President sends sympathy over passing of Papoulias

BEIJING－President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou on Friday over the passing of Greece's former president, Karolos Papoulias.

Expressing deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi said that Papoulias was an extraordinary politician and leader of Greece, and also an old friend of the Chinese people.

Papoulias had long been committed to deepening China-Greece friendship, actively promoted bilateral practical cooperation in various fields and firmly supported Beijing in hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. He had also made important contributions to the development of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi said.

The president said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Greece relations, and is ready to work with Sakellaropoulou to deepen the traditional friendship between the two countries and push for new achievements in bilateral cooperation in all areas to benefit both countries and their people.

Xinhua