
ATHENS, April 23 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday spoke highly of the civilization exchanges between his country and Greece, hailing the mutual learning between the two ancient civilizations as exemplary.
The comments came as Wang and his Greek counterpart Nikos Kotzias met with journalists after holding a meeting one day ahead of the Ancient Civilizations Forum, which will open here on Monday.
Wang told the press conference that 45 years after China and Greece established their diplomatic relations, the two countries have been maintaining a healthy, stable and smooth development momentum.
The two economic and trade partners, the senior Chinese diplomat said, are deepening and expanding their pragmatic cooperation in various areas while upholding the principle of mutual benefits and win-win cooperation.
Wang cited the Piraeus Port as a highlight of the bilateral cooperation, which he said is helping Greece to get ride of the impact of the financial crisis and sending a signal of China's confidence in the prospect of Greece's development.
He said the two countries stand ready to provide solutions to today's difficulties and challenges with the wisdom derived from their ancient civilizations.
The coming Ancient Civilization Forum is a Greek initiative with China as co-organizer and will be attended by 10 countries representing major ancient civilizations. The countries also include Bolivia, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mexico and Peru.
Wang said the forum serves as the platform where all participants can communicate and learn from each other so as to achieve common prosperity and development.
Wang said the forum has provided dynamism in both thought and culture for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
"The Ancient Civilization Forum and the Road and Belt Initiative can be essentially traced to the same origin," he said.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses