On January 19, 2006, Premier Wen Jiabao of the Sate Council held talks with his Greek counterpart Costas Karamanlis in the Great Hall of the People and both sides reached broad consensus on furthering bilateral friendly cooperation.
Wen said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing steadily and soundly with the level of economic and trade cooperation continuously enhanced and the exchanges in various areas increasingly expanded. Greece is China's friendly partner and reliable friend in South Europe and both countries have not only treated each other in the principle of equality and mutual respect in the political area, but also shown mutual understanding and support on major issues of each other's concern. China appreciates Greece for always adhering to the one-China policy and is satisfied with sound development momentum of bilateral relations.
Wen pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing bilateral relations. Both sides have signed their first joint statement since the establishment of diplomatic ties and decided to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. This is a great event in the history of bilateral relations and marks that bilateral relations will enter a new development stage from this. It is believed that under the guidance of the comprehensive strategic partnership, bilateral relations will achieve greater development.
Wen indicated that it needs joint efforts of both sides to implement the objectives established in bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. China suggests that both sides focus on doing a good job in the following five aspects in the next period to come. First, to continue maintaining the momentum of high-level exchanges and expand exchanges between the parliaments, parties, regions and non-governmental organizations of both sides. Second, to strengthen political dialogue and consultations and coordinate positions in time on major international and regional issues. Third, to give a role to the mixed committee on economic and trade cooperation, the economic and trade cooperation forum to be established and other mechanisms, seriously plan the development direction of bilateral economic and technological cooperation, adjust and optimize trade mix and take concrete measures to encourage and support mutual investment between businesses. Fourth, to make full use of their respective cultural advantages, conduct various forms of exchange activities in the area of humanities and make new contributions to safeguarding diversity of world civilizations and protecting cultural heritage of mankind. Fifth, to further enhance the level of cooperation in the area of Olympics and make joint efforts for hosting a successful Beijing Olympics in 2008 and disseminating and carrying forward the Olympic spirit.
Karamanlis said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, both countries have conducted close cooperation in all areas and bilateral relations have witnessed satisfactory development. During the current visit, both sides will also sign a joint statement on establishing comprehensive strategic partnership, which will open wider space for bilateral cooperation.
Karamanlis agreed with Wen's suggestions on developing bilateral relations. He indicated that Greece is a big maritime country and it is hoped that both sides will strengthen navigation and port cooperation and promote economic and trade relations. Bilateral tourist cooperation is full of commercial opportunities and it is hoped that the two governments will provide facilitation in this area. Both Greece and China are countries with ancient civilizations and should take their cultural and educational exchanges as a cooperative priority. China has a profound historical and cultural tradition and the next Olympics to be hosted by China will greatly promote the Olympic spirit. It is believed that both sides will conduct fruitful cooperation in hosting the Olympics.
Karamanlis emphasized that the Greek government resolutely pursues the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence".
Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest.
Following the talks, Wen and Karamanlis signed the Joint Statement on Establishing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the People's Republic of China and the Hellenic Republic and attended the signing ceremony of the documents on bilateral cooperation in economy & trade, culture and other areas.
Prior to the talks, Wen held a ceremony in the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People to welcome Karamanlis's visit to China. Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Pan Guiyu, Director of the General Administration of Sport of China Liu Peng, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Tian Xuejun and other officials attended the welcome ceremony.