On December 23, 2022, Ambassador Fu Cong, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, met Ioannis Vrailas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the EU. They had in-depth exchanges of views on China-EU relations and other issues in a friendly atmosphere.

Ambassador Fu said that China has all along viewed China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and upheld the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. China supports EU strategic autonomy and regards the EU as an important player in this multi-polar world. A clear message from the recent 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is that China will stay committed to pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, and to building a community with a shared future for mankind. As we are facing a complex and fluid international landscape, it serves the interests of China and the EU and the expectations of the wider international community to maintain an upward momentum of bilateral relations, enhance mutual trust, rise above differences, and tackle challenges together. Early this month, President Charles Michel of the European Council visited China. President Xi Jinping and President Michel set a clear direction for the future development of China-EU relations. China stands ready to work with the EU to actively follow through the consensus reached by the two leaders, deepen close high-level exchanges, promote communication and dialogue in various fields, and foster mutual understanding and cooperation. Ambassador Fu noted that China and Greece, as two ancient civilizations, enjoy amicable ties and a good cooperative relationship. He looked forward to seeing Greece make positive contributions to China-EU relations.

Mr. Ioannis Vrailas extended his congratulations to Ambassador Fu for assuming the new role and said that President Michel’s visit to China demonstrates the importance that the EU attaches to China-EU relations. In face of complex challenges, EU members, including Greece, hope to advance China-EU relations in a constructive manner, enhance bilateral dialogue in various fields, further cooperation on climate change and other hotspot issues, and effectively manage differences and avoid confrontation. China-EU relations are now facing new opportunities and new drivers. Having good relations with China, Greece is ready to play a positive role in promoting the stability of China-EU relations.