China and Greece on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding
that could soon lead to direct air links between the two
nations.
The new route, operated by Air China, will link Beijing and
Athens in the new future. Air China is now approaching related
departments for early preparation before a final date is
decided.
The new route will benefit people from both nations. As
bilateral relations have been enhanced in economics, trade,
cultural and Olympics, more convenient air service will gain
popularity among the nations' citizens. China can also transfer
Chinese goods to central and eastern Europe, via a port in Greece,
said Michalis Liapis, minister for Transport and Communications in
Beijing.
In the past two years, traffic between the two nations has been
growing remarkably. The number of Chinese travelers to Greece grew
21 percent in 2005 compared with the previous year. In the first
seven months of 2006, the number of Chinese travelers to Greece has
already surpassed the 2005 figures.
(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2006)
