Foreign Minister Kotzias meets with the Vice Foreign Minister of China, Wang Chao (Luxembourg, 5 November 2015)

Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias met a short while ago, on the margins of the 12th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Luxembourg, with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Wang Chao.

During the talks, a brief review was carried out of bilateral relations and developments in the Cyprus issue. Mr. Kotzias thanked the Chinese Vice Minister for the confidence China is showing in the Greek economy and investment sector, while it was agreed that the second meeting of Greek and Chinese experts on research and technology issues will take place early in 2016, in Athens (the first having been held in China).

Also discussed was the broadening of relations in the sector of cultural exchanges, and Mr. Kotzias presented the initiative that is being drawn up for the holding – and for examination of the potential for future institutionalization – of an International Conference for countries that have made a particularly significant contribution to global civilization.

Finally, there was also a discussion of the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, and Mr. Kotzias thanked the Chinese Vice Minister for China’s firm supportive stance.

Mr. Wang Chao expressed the Chinese government’s will to support the building of a comprehensive strategic relationship with Greece and to further expand bilateral cooperation in the sectors of shipping and maritime and rail transport. Finally, the Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked Mr. Kotzias for Greece’s support on EU-China cooperation issues and on issues concerning COSCO’s activities, expressing the hope that a Chinese cultural center in Athens will be established at the soonest possible time.