On the afternoon of June 23, 2008, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Greek President Karolos Papoulias at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides reached broad consensus on further expanding exchanges and cooperation in all areas and deepening China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership.

Hu praised the smooth development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties 36 years ago. Hu said since the establishment of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, the Sino-Greek relationship has entered a new development stage with frequent high-level exchanges and mutual political trust. Both sides have also expanded economic and trade cooperation and conducted fruitful cooperation in other areas. The holding of "Year of Greek Culture" has further deepened mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, he added. Hu spoke highly of the Greek government's long-standing adherence to the one-China policy and its precious support to China on "Taiwan independence" and "Tibet independence".

Papoulias said both Greece and China are countries with ancient civilizations and the two peoples share a traditional friendship and have respected each other and treated each other in a friendly way. The relations between the two countries have made positive headway based on sincere friendship with rapid development of cooperation on economy and trade. Both sides have also scored fruitful results in cooperation on education, culture and tourism. Papoulias noted that Greece praises China's unique, positive role in international and regional affairs and hopes to actively support the further development of EU-China relations.

Hu said currently China-Greece relationship was faced with a good opportunity for further development. China would work with Greece to expand cooperation in the following four aspects. First, keep closer friendly exchanges and build up strategic mutual trust. Hu suggested the two countries keep frequent contacts between heads of state, have closer friendly exchanges between governments, legislatures, political parties and localities, and give support and understanding to issues of each other's concern. Second, deepen pragmatic cooperation and achieve a win-win situation. He called on both sides to make full use of bilateral economic and trade mixed committee and other cooperation mechanisms, give play to their respective comparative advantages in goods trade and service trade, adjust and optimize trade mix and expand trade and economic cooperation, especially in investment, cooperation between medium and small companies and shipping. Third, expand humanities exchanges and consolidate traditional friendship. Hu urged cultural, educational and scientific and technological departments and institutions of the two countries to organize more exchange activities. He vowed to help with holding the Year of Greek Culture in China, and welcomed Greeks to participate in the Beijing international book fair and the Meet in Beijing 2008 series of cultural events as guest of honor. He also supported cooperation in language teaching and youth exchange. Fourth, keep closer international cooperation and safeguard common interest. Hu called on China and Greece to maintain communication and consultation on major issues, including United Nations (UN) reform, climate change, environmental protection and sustainable development. He urged the two countries to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international multilateral organizations such as the UN, World Trade Organization (WTO) and Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), so as to promote world peace, stability and development.

He said the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations laid a good foundation for furthering the relations. The development of bilateral ties enjoys broad prospects. "Greece will enhance the friendship and trust with China, expand cooperation in such areas as trade, ocean shipping, tourism, culture and education, and increase personnel exchanges in high-tech areas so as to bring more interest for the two peoples," Papoulias said.

Speaking highly of the support of Greece to the Beijing Olympics, Hu said the Games was a grand affair for people across the world to enhance friendship and strengthen cooperation. "The Chinese government and people will implement their commitment to the international community and work with other countries to make the Games a successful sports event, so as to contribute to the promotion of the Olympic spirit and the development of the international Olympic movement," he noted.

Papoulias said Greece, as cradle of the Olympics, always advocated the Games should be a distinguished gathering to promote friendship and peace across the world. Greece opposes politicizing the Olympics, and hopes its spirit can last forever. He said Greece was paying close attention and gave high appraisal to China's active preparation for the Games. He believed China would make it a success.

After the talks, the two sides also signed several agreements of cooperation on judicature, education and development.

Prior to the talks, President Hu Jintao held a welcoming ceremony for Papoulias's visit at the Great Hall of the People. Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Yan Junqi, State Councilor Dai Bingguo, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Zheng Wantong, Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee of China Democratic League Li Chong'an, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Justice Wu Aiying and Chinese Ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan attended the welcoming ceremony.

On the evening of the same day, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Greek President Karolos Papoulias attended the opening ceremony of the "Beijing 2008" Olympic Cultural Festival. The festival is accompanied by the holding of the Meet in Beijing 2008 series of cultural events.