Greek, Chinese leaders vow to deepen strategic ties

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday issued a joint statement pledging to boost strategic bilateral ties following a visit by the two men to Piraeus, where Chinese shipping giant Cosco is seeking to expand its presence and which Li said could become “China’s gateway to Europe.”

Following the signing of 19 bilateral trade and business deals, the leaders’ joint statement appeared to focus more on general ties between the two nations with both sides pledging to respect their respective positions on key issues of national interest. In Greece’s case, the Cyprus problem was referred to with both sides hailing the recent resumption of United Nations-mediated negotiations and looking toward a “fair and viable settlement as soon as possible.” The statement also expressed the intention of both sides to promote Chinese efforts to secure an investment agreement between Beijing and European Union.

As regards bilateral business, the two sides pledged to support and help each other in the financing, investment and trade sectors and to redress imbalances in trade relations, with Beijing expressing its commitment to boost imports of Greek products. The statement also noted the interest of Chinese businesses in participating in Greece’s program of privatizations.

Earlier in the day, Samaras and Li visited Piraeus in an appearance of high symbolism amid reports that Cosco is targeting the acquisition of a 67 percent stake in Piraeus Port Authority. In shirt sleeves and without ties, the two leaders both waxed lyrical about the port’s potential. Li described it as “the pearl in the Mediterranean” and said he was keen to work with the Greeks to make it “the most competitive port in the world.”

The Chinese premier...