Greek general eyes closer military ties with China

A top Greek military general said on Tuesday that there is big potential for Greece and China to have closer military cooperation, including the investment in the Mediterranean nation's defense industry.

"There is big potential and behind the potential there is big will in both countries to get closer and cooperate in all areas," Hellenic National Defense General Staff Chief General Michalis Kostarakos told Xinhua when he attended celebrations for the upcoming 86th founding anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the Chinese embassy in Athens.

Kostarakos praised the friendly ties of cooperation between the two country's armed forces and expressed confidence for further enhancement to the benefit of each other.

He noted that at the moment Greece and China have a "very dynamic relationship," cooperating closely in training and education and are studying how to expand it.

In regards to other sectors in which bilateral collaboration could flourish, he said that "all possible investments to the Greek defense industry will be much welcome."

For his part, Defense Attache of the Chinese embassy in Athens Han Xiao said many programs are being planned to enhance the bilateral military ties.

Hellenic Navy Chief Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis also attended the reception together with about 160 dignitaries from the Greek army, navy, air force and other walks of life.