Greek President, PM praise China's role in addressing common challenges

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias (R) welcomes his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at the Greek Foreign ministry in Athens, Greece, April 23, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

"We have the pleasure of establishing this forum of great ancient civilizations, an idea of the two foreign ministers of Greece and China, as the two countries have marked the world's cultural heritage with their ancient civilizations," Tsipras said during the meeting with Wang.

Monday's forum will allow the 10 participating countries to form a meaningful cooperation that could produce initiatives for the future, he noted.

"We are at a stage of very meaningful cooperation ... China is a very important partner for us," the Greek Prime Minister stressed.

Tsipras said he is very pleased to attend the upcoming Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which will be held in Beijing in mid-May.

Greece aims to make itself into an international transportation hub and such a goal highly matches the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

Wang welcomed Tsipras' forthcoming attendance at the Belt and Road forum, during which he could discuss major win-win plans with the Chinese side and inject new impetus to bilateral cooperation.

Wang said cooperation over the Piraeus Port is not only successful economically, but also generates good political and social effect.

This year, Wang said, marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Greece, and both nations could deepen political trust and cooperation.

Greek President Pavlopoulos, during receiving Wang at the Presidential mansion, said his country looks forward to forging closer bilateral cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples, as well as the entire world.