Mitsotakis telephone communication with China’s president: Focus on boosting investment and tourism

Telephone communication with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping had today Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on the occasion of the 15th year since the upgrading of relations between Greece and China in strategies with the conclusion of the “Integrated Strategic Cooperation” in 2006.

During the telephone call the high level of bilateral relations was confirmed, while Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Shi Jinping reviewed the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on investment, bilateral trade, tourism and cultural cooperation.

The two leaders agreed that the “Year of Culture and Tourism of Greece – China”, which will officially start in September 2021 and be extended to 2022, is an appropriate opportunity to further strengthen relations and increase the tourist flow between the two countries.

Mr Mitsotakis and the Chinese President also discussed international and regional issues, including EU-China relations, and underlined the important role that China can play as a permanent member of the UN Security Council in maintaining stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, on the basis of international legitimacy.

The Prime Minister expressed Greece’s appreciation of China’s established position of authority, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, for resolving the Cyprus issue on the basis of THE resolutions. It was highlighted that Greece is an important player in peace in the region, which works for the benefit of the international community, including China.

The latest developments in Greek-Turkish relations were also discussed. The need to maintain the relative de-escalation of the last period was underlined in order to keep the communication channels open. The Prime Minister pointed out that the aim of the dialogue is to build a climate of trust, for which full and practical respect for international law is necessary and to avoid challenges, both towards Greece and cyprus.

Finally, Mr Jinping invited Mr Mitsotakis to the 2022 Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing, an invitation that the Prime Minister accepted.