Press Releases
Athens, 7 September 2022
Chairman of Greece-China Parliamentary Friendship Group Ioannis Tragakis meets with Ambassador of China Xiao Junzheng
The Chairman of the Greece-China Parliamentary Friendship Group Ioannis Tragakis met today with the Ambassador of China to Athens Xiao Junzheng. During the meeting, on the occasion of the 50-year anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the long-standing friendship connecting the two sides was confirmed, as well as the desire to further strengthen parliamentary relations through the exchange of visits and teleconferences.
Extensive reference was made to the trade sector and the possibility to increase exports of Greek products to China. The Chinese official, referring to COSCO’s investment in Piraeus, pointed out the significant increase in the PPA’s income in the last year due to the increased traffic of containers and cruise ships, while expressing his concern about the freezing of the completion of the investment following the decision by the Council of State.
Mr Tragakis replied that although the government is in favour of further developing the Port, it cannot influence Justice, however, through the amendment of the concession contract, the completion of the investment will be ensured. The Chairman of the Greece-China Friendship Group also referred to the contribution of Greek shipping to the national Chinese economy, since in the last two years more than 1000 Greek-owned ships worth 53 billion euros were built in China, stressing that the use of Greek-made navigational instruments by the Chinese shipyards would be mutually beneficial. Particular emphasis was also placed on the cultural cooperation between the two countries and dialogue developed by Greek and Chinese universities. Lastly, Mr Xiao Junzheng referred to the concerns raised in his country by the visit of the Speaker of the House of Representatives (US) Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan, to which Mr Tragakis responded by saying that our country unwaveringly adheres to the “one China” policy.
