The Ambassador of Greece to China: "Seeking change" and "stubbornness" are the common DNA of Greece and China

　　China News Service, Beijing, March 31st. Title: The Greek Ambassador to China: "Pursuing change" and "stubbornness" are the common DNA of Greece and China

　　Author Liu Liang

　　In the long course of human history, both China and Greece have created glorious civilizations, which have had a profound impact on the development of world history.

This year coincides with the "China-Greek Year of Culture and Tourism". The Greek Ambassador to China, Georgios Iliopoulos, recently said in an exclusive interview with a reporter from China News Agency that Greece and China have many things in common in their historical development. .

He expects that in this year of cultural tourism, the two countries will continue to deepen their traditional relationship, enhance their understanding of each other, and develop in-depth cooperation in more potential areas in the future.

　"Change" and "stubbornness" are common DNA

　　Both China and Greece have long history and cultural traditions, and both have left a strong mark on the development of human history.

According to Iliopoulos, the commonalities between the two countries are not only embodied in social values, but also in the spiritual resonance in the historical development of the two countries.

　　This year, Greece ushered in the 200th anniversary of the victory of the Revolution and the War of Independence.

He said that the victory of the War of Independence was of great significance to Greece, because this victory was an important historical node for Greece's early establishment of a modern nation-state in Europe.

　　"Similar to China, Greece has also experienced a process of national construction and cultural rejuvenation in the past." He said that in history, Greece has been invaded by foreign enemies and rose up to resist aggression; it has also been deeply influenced by Western political thought; While maintaining their long cultural traditions, they are still able to keep pace with the times and move towards the goal of modernization, and so on.

These are the things that Greece and China have in common.

　　He believes that there is a strong desire for change and a tenacious spirit of struggle in the DNA of Greece and China.

"I think this is also an important reason why China and Greece are more successful than other countries in this epidemic."

　　Diplomacy between the two countries has gone hand in hand for nearly 50 years

　　Those with ambitions do not take mountains and seas as far away.

Next year, China and Greece will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Looking back, the traditional friendship between the two countries has continued to deepen, and cooperation in various fields has flourished.

　　Driven by good diplomatic relations, the economic and trade relations between Greece and China have also become closer.

According to official Greek data, from 2002 to 2019, China's foreign direct investment in Greece totaled 1.819 billion euros.

During the same period, Greece's total investment in China was 1.484 billion euros.

　　Although Chinese investment in Greece continues to increase, Iliopoulos believes that overall, China's investment in Greece is less than 1% of China's investment in the EU, which also means that the two countries still have huge room for improvement in the future. .

"In fact, whether it is manufacturing, health care, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, movies, colleges and universities, etc., both sides have extensive cooperation possibilities.

　　"Greece and China have come a long way together, and bilateral relations are constantly deepening and developing in a favorable direction. The two countries have established a comprehensive strategic partnership as early as 2006, and we look forward to a deeper relationship in the future. Exchanges and cooperation." He said.

　　"Winter Olympic Games" Relay "Cultural Tourism Year"

　　This year is the "China-Greek Year of Culture and Tourism".

The co-hosting of the Cultural Tourism Year between Greece and China is a cultural event in the history of cultural exchanges between the two countries.

"In the past, we also held similar events with China, the main purpose is to deepen the traditional relationship and enhance mutual understanding between the two countries." Iliopoulos said.

　　He said that the event is expected to start in late May.

By then, a series of activities will be held, including important projects such as art exhibitions, cultural relics exhibitions, and Olympic cooperation.

"In China, we expect to hold cultural relics exhibitions and other activities in museums in Beijing, Hunan, Nanjing and other places."

　　As we all know, Greece is also the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Speaking of the Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing next year, he said that due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, the difficulty of hosting the Olympics is more difficult than ever. The safety of athletes is facing considerable challenges, and it is also a huge test for the host in all aspects. .

　　But in his opinion, hosting the Olympic Games in such a special period also contains a lot of significance.

"In the history of ancient Greece, we have the tradition of the'Olympic Truce'. The purpose is to create a safe environment for athletes and spectators. This is also a symbol of peace. Therefore, I hope that the hosting of the Olympic Games can bring more peace to the world. With unity, I wish the Beijing Winter Olympics a success." (End)