Xi congratulates Tasoulas on assuming Greek presidency

President Xi Jinping vowed on Thursday to work with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas to strengthen the bonds of mutually beneficial cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two ancient civilizations, as he extended congratulations to Tasoulas on assuming the Greek presidency.

Xi said that China and Greece, both of which have a long history and a splendid culture, share a time-honored friendship that has grown with new vitality and have become comprehensive strategic partners enjoying close affinity and win-win cooperation.

In recent years, the two nations have made sustained efforts to advance the Piraeus Port project, promoted high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and cooperated to inaugurate the Center of Chinese and Greek Ancient Civilizations and the Chinese School of Classical Studies at Athens, Xi said.

Such joint efforts have showcased the harmony and sense of mission of the two ancient civilizations, he said.

As the world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, the Chinese president stressed that all countries' interests are closely intertwined and win-win cooperation is a sure path to address global challenges.

Xi said he highly values developing China's relations with Greece and is willing to join hands with Tasoulas to continue strengthening the two countries' traditional friendship, enrich the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, and promote the sustained and healthy development of China-Europe relations, thus contributing wisdom and strength to world peace, stability and prosperity.

Tasoulas, a veteran politician and former parliamentary speaker, was elected as Greece's new president in February and sworn in on Thursday.

China and Greece have a solid foundation of political trust and robust trade and economic cooperation. Last year, bilateral trade reached $13.59 billion, according to the Foreign Ministry.