Tsipras meets Chinese leaders, vows to boost ties
July 5, 2016, 5:08 pm

Tsipras has said that he believed Greece could be a significant commercial gateway for China into Europe [Xinhua]

The recent sale of Greece’s largest port, Piraeus, was the highlight of official talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras on Monday.

Last week, by an overwhelming majority, the Greek parliament ratified an agreement giving China’s COSCO Shipping a majority stake in Piraeus port authority. China expects Piraeus to become an important gateway into Europe.

“We are certain that Piraeus will open new prospects for the broadening of Greece-China cooperation in transport, infrastructure, telecoms and shipping. We are also ready to develop cooperation in tourism, culture and sports sectors and we seek the upgrading of the political dialogue,” President Xi said on Tuesday.

According to a deal signed in April, COSCO will pay 368.5 million euros (419 million U.S. dollars) now and invest another 350 million euros (400 million dollars) over the next decade in infrastructure at the port.

Tsipras has said that he believed Greece could be a significant commercial gateway for China into Europe.

Tsipras said logistics centers and industrial parks will be built and railways upgraded in central and Eastern Europe.

During his meeting with Premier Li, Tsipras said China has proven to be Greece’s true friend, “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.

The prime minister said the project is an opportunity for China and Greece to cooperate in shipbuilding, finance, science and innovation, food, tourism, culture and education.

In Beijing, Tsipras also met Wang Jianlin, chairman of property developer Wanda Group. Wang has promised to promote Greek tourism and look at setting up movie production units in Greece

Li said China is ready for a second decade of the comprehensive strategic partnership with Greece, with sustainable and balanced trade growth and closer links in culture, education, science and tourism.

On Monday, a 19-gun military salute was given to Greek Prime Minister Tsipras, who is in Beijing for a 5-day visit at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

Tsipras, who visited the headquarters of Chinese telecom giant Huawei on Sunday, has also proposed the creation of a technology park in Athens in cooperation with the Chinese company.

TBP and Agencies