Reception of the Chinese Embassy for the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Athens.
By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
On September 26, the Embassy of China in Greece held a reception for the National Day of China on the occasion of the celebration of the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The event was attended by the former President of the Hellenic Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the former Prime Minister George Papandreou, the Minister of Development Konstantinos Skrekas, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece and coordinator of China’s cooperation with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe Costas Fragogiannis, the President of the Academy Athens Michael – Konstantinos Stathopoulos, the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee Spyros Kapralos et al. officials, a total of more than 500 people from the circles of shipping, science and technology, culture, media, members of foreign diplomatic missions and representatives of the Chinese community in Greece.
In his speech, H.E. Ambassador Xiao Juncheng said that over the past 74 years under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have successfully followed a new path – the Chinese road to modernization – and freed the country from poverty by transforming in the world’s second largest economy, it is now moving towards the realization of the second goal of the centenary, namely the building of a modern and strong socialist country in every respect.
Today’s China has emerged as an advocate of world peace and a driving force for mutual development. In recent years, President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Culture Initiative, offering Chinese solutions to effectively address global challenges, innovate global governance, and advance human progress. culture. Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping proposed building an all-human community with a shared future, offering Chinese wisdom at the service of all people so that they can walk together to protect the planet and build a bright future of shared prosperity.
Today, the Chinese government released a white paper entitled “Working Together to Build an Inclusive Community with a Shared Future: China’s Initiatives and Actions” which details the ideas and actions for building an inclusive community with a common future. future, with the aim of better understanding on the part of the international community and the achievement of a wider consensus. China and Greece, two ancient civilizations, must further join forces to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning between cultures, contributing to building a universal human community with a common future. Today’s China is still a driving force of global growth.
In response to the recent noise created by some Western media and institutions defaming the Chinese economy, Ambassador Xiao Juncheng presented concrete economic data, stressing that despite the uncertainty that characterizes the global economy and complex geopolitical phenomena, the Chinese economy has the confidence and capabilities to ensure stable and long-term growth, contributing once again to global economic growth.
Ambassador Xiao Juncheng pointed out that this year is the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative and the 5th anniversary of the signing of the cooperation agreement between the governments of China and Greece under the Initiative.
From January to August this year, our countries’ total trade volume exceeded $9.6 billion, an increase year-on-year, with Greece remaining China’s fourth-largest trading partner among Central Asian countries. and Eastern Europe. There are great prospects for bilateral cooperation in transportation, renewable energy, information technology, green development and other fields, as well as excellent cultural exchanges. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is willing to continue to strengthen the alignment of its development strategies with Greece, build together the high-quality One Belt One Road Initiative, promote bilateral and mutually beneficial cooperation so that it yield richer results and together upgrade their overall strategic partnership.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for economic diplomacy and external affairs, Costas Fragogiannis, also addressed a speech on behalf of the Greek government and warmly congratulated China on its national holiday, while he specifically referred to Sino-Greek relations and the achievements of our mutually beneficial cooperation in recent years, looking forward to further strengthen practical cooperation in the future in trade, energy, tourism, agriculture, science, technology and other fields. He also stated that the “One Belt, One Road” Initiative, which has its roots in the ancient Silk Road, has enriched the overall strategic partnership of our countries, offering new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations and economic and trade cooperation.
He also expressed confidence that based on mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual understanding we will continue to work to expand and deepen our partnership for the benefit of our peoples.
The reception took place in a warm, friendly and festive atmosphere. Chinese and foreign guests and friends expressed their warmest wishes for the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and wished China and Greece prosperity, Sino-Greek relations to flourish and friendship between our peoples to live long.
The reception took place in a warm, friendly and festive atmosphere. Chinese and foreign guests and friends expressed their warmest wishes for the 74th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and wished China and Greece prosperity, Sino-Greek relations to flourish and friendship between our peoples to live long.
