Beijing, April 27th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Dora Bakoyannis, Chair of the Hellenic Parliament's Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs.  

Liu said, China and Greece are both ancient civilizations that have made significant contributions to the progress of human civilization, and the people of the two countries have always held friendly feelings towards each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Greece relations have maintained healthy development and grown ever stronger. China is willing to work with Greece to take the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries as the guidance, further tap the potential for cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, investment, tourism and culture, and promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Greece. Profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. Unilateralism, protectionism and isolationism run counter to the historical trend and pose a serious challenge to the international order. Both China and Greece advocate maintaining the international order based on international laws, upholding true multilateralism, and supporting free trade and economic globalization. China is willing to work with Greece to strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, and jointly implement the three global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, injecting more stability and positive energy into the world.   

Liu said, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). China's policy towards the EU remains stable. China regards the EU as an important partner, supports European integration and the EU's strategic autonomy, and is glad to see Europe play a greater role in a multi-polar world. It is hoped that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. The CPC is willing to maintain close exchanges at all levels with Greek political parties, strengthen political dialogue, and enhance mutual understanding and trust. 

Bakoyannis said that Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization and China is the cradle of Eastern civilization. The two countries share many common values, both advocating harmony, peace, and supporting dialogue and cooperation. The two sides have achieved fruitful results in cooperation across various fields, including trade, investment, maritime affairs, green energy, education, and culture. Greece values its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and seeks to further explore the potential for cooperation between the two countries. In today's world, there are increasing unstable factors and significant economic and geopolitical challenges. Rivers cannot flow backward, and the world should not return to the past; economic globalization is an unstoppable trend. A trade war is not the solution to these issues and can only lead to a lose-lose situation. Dialogue is the only way forward, and only through dialogue can we achieve win-win results. Greece, as a natural bridge between Europe and China, is willing to actively promote the development of EU-China relations. 

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis and other international and regional issues. 

Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Evgenios Kalpyris, Greek Ambassador to China, and others attended the meeting.