On the evening of November 11, 2019 local time, President Prokopis Pavlopoulos of Greece and his wife hosted a grand welcome banquet at the Presidential Mansion for President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan.

At the beginning of the banquet, the band played the national anthems of China and Greece.

Prokopis Pavlopoulos made remarks, warmly welcoming Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan on behalf of the Greek government and people. He noted, China and Greece, as two countries with ancient civilizations, enjoy time-honored friendly exchanges. The Greek side believes that instead of clashing with or alienating each other, real civilizations communicate with and learn from each other for harmonious coexistence, and join efforts for peace and progress of mankind. In this regard, China has set an example for the world. China's Belt and Road Initiative and the cooperation mechanism between the Central and Eastern European countries and China have forged a close bond between Greece and China as well as between Europe and China. President Xi Jinping's visit opens up a new chapter of Greece-China friendly relations. The Greek side expects to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese side.

Xi Jinping pointed out in his remarks, Greece is the birthplace of the Western civilization and has made an indelible contribution to the progress of human civilization. Since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Greece 47 years ago, the two sides have always respected and understood each other, and supported each other's core interests and major concerns.

Xi Jinping pointed out, the great Greek people created the Olympic Games, and we should also uphold the Olympic motto of "faster, higher, stronger" to develop China-Greece relations. It is hoped that the two sides will drive the development of comprehensive strategic partnership with "two wheels" of practical cooperation and civilization dialogue, and make new contributions to world peace and common prosperity.

The two heads of state and their spouses also enjoyed Greek and Chinese songs performed by the Greek children's choir.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife as well as others attended the banquet.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others were present at the above activity.