Chinese, Greek FMs hold phone talks over ties, Ukraine issue

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a phone conversation with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias over bilateral ties and the Ukraine issue.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Greece, Wang said, adding that over the past half a century, the two sides have always appreciated, tolerated and helped each other, respected each other's development path chosen by their own people, and supported each other's core interests and major concerns.

The friendship between China and Greece over the past 50 years is a true reflection of mutual understanding and affinity between ancient civilizations, and a vivid epitome of the trend of the times for peace, development and win-win cooperation, setting a good example for the development of relations between China and European countries, Wang noted.

China is ready to work with Greece to take the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to draw up a blueprint for its future development, expand practical cooperation in such fields as transportation, energy, tourism, infrastructure, green and digital economy, and open up new prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation, Wang said.

He added that the two sides should give full play to the advantages of ancient civilizations and major countries of culture, continue to advocate exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations, promote peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are the common values of humanity, and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

Noting that China is a strong partner of Greece, Dendias said that Greece firmly adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to working with China to hold successful celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, strengthen bilateral economic and trade exchanges, and further deepen cooperation in such fields as tourism and culture, so as to further promote bilateral relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue.

Wang said China fully understands the concerns of European countries, including Greece, over the situation, adding that China also looks forward to an early ceasefire and the restoration of peace.

If the conflict is prolonged and magnified, European interests would be harmed further, said Wang, expressing his hope that Europe will make wise choices and calm decisions to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

The security of Europe is a matter Europeans should tackle themselves, said Wang, adding that China will continue to promote peace talks and support all efforts conducive to a political settlement.

Wang stressed that under the current situation, the resurgence of a new Cold War should be guarded against and inciting bloc confrontations around the world should be opposed. All parties should uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and adhere to true multilateralism, not only to seek practical ways to achieve lasting peace and security in Europe, but also to promote lasting peace and development in the world, said the minister.

China is opposed to some forces using the Ukraine crisis as an excuse to justify NATO's further expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, Wang said, adding that attempts to build a NATO replica in the Asia-Pacific will only do serious harm to regional security.