Greek President Karolos Papoulias said in Athens Tuesday Greece and China have had fruitful cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, sea shipment, tourism and Olympic Games.

 

Meeting with visiting Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo, the president said relations between Greece and China has a long history and are now at a stage of best development.

 

He said Greece is willing to work harder to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

 

Wu said that at present, the Sino-Greek relations are vigorous with high-level visits exchanged frequently, mutual political trust enhanced and economic and trade cooperation expanded.

 

The Chinese leader said China treasures its traditional friendship with Greece and thinks much of developing its relations with Greece, and is willing to work together with the Greek side to boost practical cooperation in various areas between the two countries.

 

The two leaders also touched on major international and regional issues.

 

Wu arrived here on Monday for a four-day official and goodwill visit to Greece, the third leg of his four-nation tour, which took him to Romania and Moldova, and will take him to Russia.

 

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2006)