President Hu Jintao said China hopes to push its ties with Greece to a higher level, and to expand bilateral cooperation in various sectors. The Chinese leader expressed the hope when meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in Athens.

During his meeting with Greek Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis, on Tuesday, Hu Jintao said the Chinese government attaches great importance to its relations with Greece. And he says China views the bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Hu suggested the two sides strengthen economic cooperation. The Chinese government encourages Chinese companies to invest in Greece in areas including telecom, energy, environmental protection and tourism.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in Athens, capital of Greece, Nov. 25, 2008.[Xinhua Photo]

Hu also proposed the two countries increase cooperation in the oceanic shipping industry, in cultural cooperation...and academic and youth exchanges.

Karamanlis said Greece hopes to become a gateway for Chinese commodities into the region.

The two leaders also discussed Sino-European relations. Karamanlis promised to continue Greece's active efforts in boosting China-EU relations.

The two leaders also attended a signing ceremony of Sino-Greek cooperation... in construction of ports, telecom and broadcast.

And Hu Jintao also met with Dimitris Sioufas, president of Parliament of Greece.

Hu said China hopes the legislatures of the two countries will continue to carry out exchanges at different levels.

Sioufas said Greece hopes to lift the bilateral comprehensive partnership to a new high. He said the Greek parliament will maintain high-level exchanges with China's National People's Congress.

And Greek president Karolos Papoulias held a farewell ceremony for Hu Jintao.

(CCTV November 26, 2008)