Greece Investment Immigration Detailed Explanation of Greek Law and Policy Trends: Deepening Pragmatic Cooperation and Promoting Common Development——Joint Statement Between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Hellenic Republic (May 17, 2013, Beijing)
I. At the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Antonis Samaras of the Hellenic Republic paid an official visit to China from May 15 to 19, 2013.
II. During the visit, Prime Minister Samaras met with President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, held talks with Premier Li Keqiang, met with Chairman Zhang Dejiang, and attended the second annual meeting of the Taihu World Cultural Forum.
III. During the talks, both sides reviewed the positive and fruitful results achieved in various fields of exchange and cooperation since the establishment of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership in January 2006, and expressed satisfaction with the current sound state of bilateral relations. Both sides agreed that further deepening the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples.
IV. Both sides emphasized that mutual understanding and sincere cooperation are the firm foundation of China-Greece relations. Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, conduct strategic planning for the development of China-Greece relations in the new era, further consolidate and enhance mutual trust, and fully support each other's major concerns and core interests. The Greek side firmly adheres to the one-China policy, highly appreciates the achievements made in China's economic and social development, and respects the development path chosen by China in accordance with its own national conditions. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the stabilizing role played by Greece in Southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region. Both sides reiterated their commitment to promoting a just, lasting, and viable solution to the Cyprus issue on the basis of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and support the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General to achieve this goal. The Chinese side appreciates the positive efforts made by the Greek government and people to address the debt crisis and will continue to provide understanding and support.
V. Both sides believe it is necessary to continuously strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, make full use of the China-Greece Joint Committee on Economy and Trade mechanism, encourage enterprises from both sides to invest and operate in each other's countries, and deepen pragmatic cooperation in fields such as shipping, information and communications, infrastructure construction, and new energy development. The Greek side welcomes the participation of Chinese enterprises in the privatization process of Greek state assets and is willing to provide necessary convenience and support. Both sides oppose all forms of trade and investment protectionism. The Chinese side encourages its enterprises to import more high-quality Greek products according to market demand.
VI. Both sides agreed that both countries have long histories and splendid cultures, and that there is a profound foundation for carrying out people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Both sides are willing to strengthen cooperation in the tourism sector and encourage their citizens to travel to each other's countries. The Chinese side welcomes Greece to hold tourism promotion activities in China and is willing to provide active assistance. Both sides are willing to maintain close communication and cooperation in fields such as education, scientific research, youth exchanges, and language teaching.
VII. Both sides emphasized the need to continue viewing China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and to jointly promote the continuous development of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. The Chinese side reiterated its continued support for the European integration process, and the Greek side stated that it will continue to play an active and constructive role within the European Union to promote China-EU relations.
VIII. Both sides reiterated that all countries should abide by the UN Charter and the norms of international law to promote world peace and development. Both sides will continue to work together to strengthen coordination and cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations to effectively address the challenges and threats facing the world today.
IX. Both sides advocate that the diversity of world civilizations should be respected and upheld, and advocate for mutual respect, exchange, mutual learning, and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations. Both sides believe that Chinese civilization and Greek civilization are outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, and should join hands to revitalize ancient civilizations and strive to achieve common progress and prosperity.
X. Prime Minister Samaras expressed great satisfaction and sincere gratitude for the warm and friendly reception accorded by the Chinese side, and invited Premier Li Keqiang to visit Greece. Premier Li Keqiang happily accepted the invitation and expressed his willingness to visit Greece at a mutually convenient time.
XI. Both sides jointly signed a number of bilateral cooperation agreements and business contracts involving fields such as economy and trade, shipping, and communications.