On the afternoon of January 20, 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said that both China and Greece are countries with ancient civilizations and the two peoples have always held friendship and admiration towards each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, both sides have established sound bilateral relations based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits. They have conducted various forms of fruitful exchanges and cooperation with rich content in the areas of economy & trade, marine transportation, science & technology, culture & education and tourism and maintained coordination and cooperation in the UN and other international multilateral organizations. Bilateral relations have entered the best period since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Hu said that there is no fundamental conflict of interest, nor outstanding issue between both countries. Under the new historical conditions, to enhance bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership will exert an important and far-reaching impact on the development of bilateral relations. China would like to work with Greece to further expand pragmatic cooperation in various areas and push bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership for steady and in-depth development.

Karamanlis noted that bilateral relations have witnessed sound development. Greece adheres to the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence". Greece hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in the areas of marine transportation, energy, investment, tourism, culture and education. The hosting of the Olympics by Greece and China successively offers an important opportunity for both sides to strengthen cooperation in this area. Greece attaches great importance to China's important role in international and regional affairs and looks forward to enhanced coordination with China. Greece would also like to make active efforts in removing the obstacles to the development of China-EU relations and pushing for all-round development of China-EU relations.