Follow Greece Immigration and Greece News: Greece Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos stated on the 23rd that Greece will strive to advance the relationship between the European Union and China during its presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2014, as this aligns with the interests of both parties.
In a written interview with Xinhua News Agency, Venizelos said that for the EU, China is both a friend and a strategic partner. "Greece will strengthen economic and political relations between the two sides during its presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2014." He mentioned that Greece will assume the six-month presidency of the EU Council starting January 1, 2014, which will be a crucial half-year for the EU as it addresses the challenges of the international economic crisis by enhancing economic cooperation among member states and global collaboration.
Venizelos stated: "The EU and China are two powerful global economies, and both sides will benefit from mutually opening their markets. Last month's EU-China leaders' meeting established a clearer roadmap for deepening the partnership to jointly overcome the current crisis and face the challenges of the new century together."
He added that in 2014, with support from the international community, including China, Greece expects to emerge from its severe debt crisis and restore economic growth, while enhanced cooperation between China and the EU will also promote the already friendly economic partnership between China and Greece.
As Christmas and the New Year approach, Venizelos also extended his best wishes to the Chinese people: "As the festive season arrives, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Chinese friends a healthy and prosperous New Year on behalf of the Greek government and the Greek people!"