Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Katrougalos prior to inauguration of the proceedings of the National People's Congress (Beijing, Tuesday 5 March 2019)

“Following the very significant contacts I had yesterday with my counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with other top officials of the government, and of the Communist Party of China, today I shall attend the formal session of the National People’s Congress.
Many issues will be discussed. As you know, China has achieved a lot. It is on its way to becoming the world’s largest economy. It helped 700 million of its citizens out of complete poverty.

This visit confirmed the great momentum that Greek-Chinese relations possess, the priority placed by both countries in developing a strategic partnership, in the alignment of interests that exists between the new economic model that we wish to build, and which aims to make Greece a bridge between Asia, Europe, and Africa, as well as in the “One Belt One Road” strategy.

In addition, the will of the Chinese side was confirmed to leave a more defined mark on Greece with regard to investments and financial cooperation.

Therefore, I think that we indeed find ourselves before a new era for Greek-Chinese relations.”

March 5, 2019