On December 13, 2005, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qiao Zonghuai, who was accompanied by Ambassador Tian Xuejun, met with Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and attended the banquet hosted by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece and the Director General of the Department of Asia Pacific Affairs were present at the banquet. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral friendly ties and the cooperation in every area.

Qiao said that bilateral ties have been growing smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago. Both countries share common interest in a series of international issues and have carried out good cooperation in international affairs. The reciprocal cooperation in politics, economy, trade, culture, science and technology is developing rapidly. Qiao also introduced the scientific concept of development and the domestic situation of China. He added that China hopes to develop the cooperation with Greece in marine transportation and tourism in the spirit of mutual benefits and win-win results and promote the growth of China-Greece relationship in an all-round manner. The Chinese side encourages the businesses of both countries to strengthen understanding and carry out cooperation.

The Greek Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister expressed their agreement with the positive comments make by Qiao on bilateral relations. They indicated that the Greek side hopes to develop bilateral friendly ties with China. They believe that the bilateral cooperation in all sectors will witness substantive progress with the concerted efforts of both sides and on the existing basis of sound political relations. Greece regards the development of China as an opportunity and hopes to upgrade bilateral relations to a new level, which will benefit both sides. The president of the Greece-China Business Council and other business delegates present at the luncheon indicated their wish to work with Chinese companies to explore the Balkan and European markets.