Greece to promote Sino-EU relations during its EU presidency: president

ATHENS, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Greek President Karolos Papoulias said on Wednesday that Greece will contribute more on promopting the relationship between the European Union (EU) and China during its current period of EU presidency.

Speaking to China's new Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli after the credential-presenting ceremony, Papoulias cordially welcomed Zou as "a true friend" representing a "great country with which Greece is connected with long standing friendship."

The president said during his country's EU presidency in the first half of 2014, Greece will strive harder to promote the cooperation between China and the EU.

During the meeting, the Greek head of state referred to the strong connection between the two ancient civilizations and praised the steady development of bilateral relations and "excellent cooperation" in recent years, congratulating Zou on the assumption of his new duties.

Ambassador Zou said China's new leadership attaches great importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership between Greece and China. He said the great rejuvenation of Greece and China, the two ancient civilizations, is of great significance to the world.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-01/23/c_133066435.htm