Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's
National People's Congress (NPC), arrived in Athens Monday for a
four-day official and goodwill visit.
In a written speech upon his arrival, Wu said that Greece and
China, as the birthplaces of the western and eastern civilizations
respectively, have greatly contributed to the civilization and the
development of the humankind.
He added that ever since the two countries established their
diplomatic relations in 1972, the bilateral ties have developed
smoothly on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual
benefit.
He noted that the bilateral relations have increased in an even
more positive and progressive way, since the two countries
established the comprehensive strategic partnership early this
year.
Wu was received at the airport by First Deputy President of the
Greek Parliament Sotirios Hatzigakis.
Wu arrived here from Moldova after concluding his two-day
official and goodwill visit.
During his stay in Greece, he will meet Greek President Karolos
Papoulias and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and hold talks with
his Greek counterpart Anna Benaki.
Greece is the third leg of Wu's four-nation tour, which also
took him to Romania and Moldova. He will also visit Russia.
(Xinhua News Agency May 23, 2006)
