On 4 September, Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, met separately with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens.

Yang said that China and Greece are good friends sharing weal and woe and good partners for mutual benefit. The successful mutual visits between the two presidents in 2019 ushered in a new era for the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries have fought shoulder to shoulder against COVID-19, which once again demonstrates their strong bonds, come rain or shine. China is ready to work with Greece to implement the important common understanding between the leaders and inject fresh impetus to bilateral relations.

Yang stressed that the two countries need to continue to strengthen high-level guidance and strategic mutual trust, the two pillars of bilateral ties, enhance synergy in key areas of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and make Piraeus a world-class port. China welcomes the active participation of Greek companies in the third China International Import Expo and the imports of competitive Greek products. The two countries need to ensure the success of the Ancient Civilizations Forum, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and reject the fallacy of "clash of civilizations".

Noting the importance of sustained and steady development of China-Europe relations and China-CEEC cooperation, Yang stressed that the two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation on major international and regional issues, firmly uphold multilateralism, and enhance solidarity and friendship, with the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The Greek leaders noted the fruitful outcomes and great prospects of Greece-China mutually beneficial cooperation. The joint battle against COVID-19 has brought the two peoples even closer, and highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and support between countries.

Greece will continue to work with China to combat the disease, expand two-way trade and investment, and advance key cooperation projects such as the Piraeus Port. Greece will, together with China, ensure the success of the year of culture and tourism in 2021, strengthen inter-civilization dialogues and people-to-people bonds, and deepen Belt and Road cooperation. Chinese companies will find, as always, an open and fair investment environment in Greece.

Greece supports multilateralism and will take a more active part in promoting Europe-China relations and CEEC-China cooperation.