Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of Greece

On April 26, 2019, President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras of Greece at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi Jinping pointed out that both China and Greece are ancient civilizations devoting to national rejuvenation. The joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) carries forward the spirit of the ancient Silk Road, boosts international cooperation and pursues mutual benefit and win-win results, rather than a zero-sum game. We should show the notion to the world to win more understanding and support. Greece sets a model for European countries to carry out mutually beneficial cooperation and jointly build the BRI with China. China is willing to maintain high-level exchanges and mutual respect and trust with the Greek side, fully tap the value of profound historical and cultural heritage of the two countries, promote dialogue among civilizations, and strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs. The Chinese side is also ready to strengthen the alignment of the BRI with Greece's strategy to build an important international logistics hub, and continuously forge new cooperation highlights. Greece is welcome to join in the cooperation mechanism between China and Central and Eastern European Countries. It is hoped that Greece will continuously make contributions to safeguarding the development of China-Europe relations.

Alexis Tsipras said both Greece and China are civilizations with a long-standing tradition. Greece-China relations have both deep historic significance and extensive practical significance. The BRI is a great proposal which reflects the wisdom of ancient Chinese philosophy and embodies deliberation on the future of the world, thus serving as a bridge between East and West and a development opportunity for all countries. Greece has actively supported and participated in the BRI development from the very beginning because Greece, like China with a long history of civilization, is able to understand the BRI from the perspective of history. Endowed with its own regional advantages, the Greek side is glad to take advantage of the BRI and the cooperation platform between China and Central and Eastern European Countries to develop strategic relations with China, and support deepening cooperation between Europe and China. Greece believes that China will contribute to the mankind by wisdom rather than conquering the world by power.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi and He Lifeng attended the meeting.