The importance of cooperation between Greece and China as two of the oldest civilizations and the opportunities opening for deeper relations were discussed by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a meeting in Maximos Mansion on Sunday.
Wang is in Athens to participate in Monday’s Ancient Civilizations Forum, organized by the foreign ministry.
“We have the pleasure of establishing this forum of great ancient civilizations, an idea of the two foreign ministers [Greek and Chinese], as Greece and China have marked the world’s cultural heritage with their ancient civilizations,” Tsipras said, noting the forum will allow the 10 participating countries to form a meaningful cooperation that could produce initiatives for the future.
“We are at a stage of very meaningful cooperation. Greece is located at a particular corner of the globe, with particular commercial and geostrategic interest and China is a very important partner for us,’ he said.
On his side, Wang Yi said Tsipras’ visit to China last year “left a great impression and was very successful,” noting that China appreciates and supports the Ancient Civilizations Forum initiative which he believes will attract the interest of the international community. He also said the opening of the forum coincides with a period of uncertainty and instability and dialog between pioneering ancient civilizations will be of particular importance, especially in addressing the various problems facing the world today.
“Greece, historically, is a very ancient and rich civilization and has contributed significantly in humanity’s progress and the forum held tomorrow will play a significant role in the international platform, on the backdrop of the 21st century,” Wang said.
He told Tsipras that the Chinese president is inviting him to Beijing to participate in the Silk Road Belt forum, which will be held next month. “We believe that your participation in this forum and the close cooperation of the two sides in preparing this event will further intensify our bilateral relations and promote more results for the Silk Road initiative,” he said.
Tsipras will meet at 20:00 with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and on Monday afternoon with the foreign Minister of Egypt, Sameh Shoukry. The foreign dignitaries are in Athens to participate in Monday’s Forum.
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