In the afternoon of May 16, 2013, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras at the Great Hall of the People.
Li Keqiang said that China and Greece, as outstanding representatives of the Eastern and Western civilizations, have made important contributions to the development and progress of the world. The political mutual trust between the two countries has been deepened and the practical cooperation has developed rapidly since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship 41 years ago. China will never forget the assistance from the Greek side for the evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya. China has all along regarded Greece as a reliable good friend and partner. China is willing to tap the potential in cooperation based on the spirit of equality, mutual trust and mutual benefits, to join hands with Greece in coping with challenges, and to push forward China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to make the two ancient civilizations a model for cooperation among diverse civilizations in the world.
Li Keqiang stressed that China-Greece cooperation is with solid basis and the two countries should further broaden the area and improve the effectiveness of cooperation. First, the two nations should expand result-oriented cooperation, formulate a packaged plan on cooperation, promote the dynamic balance of trade, strive to double the volume of bilateral trade by 2015, and deepen investment cooperation in infrastructure, new energy and other areas. China wishes Greece will provide more favourable environment for Chinese businesses to invest in Greece. Second, the two countries need to strengthen cooperation in marine transportation and to step up investment in and support for major cooperation projects. Third, China and Greece should vigorously promote cooperation on tourism . China hopes that Greece will further simplify visa procedures for Chinese citizens. Fourth, the both countries should deepen people-to-people exchanges, make the best of their abundant cultural resources and carry out interaction in various forms, to open a new window for the two peoples to enhance understanding.
Li Keqiang said that Europe is one of the major directions for China's diplomacy and China highly values the status and role of the European Union (EU). As Greece will assume the rotating EU presidency, China hopes that Greece will continue to play its unique role in boosting the sound and stable development of China-EU relations. China is greatly concerned about the EU's anti-dumping investigations into mobile telecommunications equipment and solar panels imported from China. China hopes the Greek side could play a positive role within the EU in urging cautious use of trade remedy measures by the EU, in combatting trade protectionism and in helping to maintain the overall development of China-EU trade relations.
Samaras stressed that as two ancient civilizations in the world, Greece and China enjoy a time-honoured history of friendship and support each other in many major international affairs. The Greek side admires the great achievements China has scored in social and economic development and thanks for China's precious support. China is a true friend of the Greek people. In the new situation, Greece is looking forward to further deepening bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, marine transportation, tourism and culture, and it welcomes Chinese companies to continue investing and establishing businesses in Greece. Greece will push the EU to properly address trade disputes, playing a constructive role in promoting the development of EU-China relations.
After the talks, the two Prime Ministers attended the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of trade, investment, marine transportation and agriculture.
Prior to the talks, Li Keqiang held a welcome ceremony for Samaras at the Square outside the East Gate of the Great Hall of the People. Li Haifeng, Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and other officials were present at the ceremony.