The opening ceremony of China-Greece Maritime Co-operation Year took place on March 27. During their meeting in Beijing, Greek Deputy Prime Minister Ioannis Dragasakis and Chinese Vice-premier of the State Council Ma Kai spoke about the importance of Greek-Chinese cooperation.

Dragasakis said that the strategic relationship between Greece and China is a major priority of Greek diplomacy and that Greece wishes to boost bilateral co-operation in areas such as the economy, trade, investment, ports, and culture. On his part, Ma Kai said the Chinese government seeks to increase exchanges on all levels and deepen cooperation in all areas with Greece, which it considers a good friend and an important partner in the EU.

After officially launching this year of maritime cooperation that includes the "Creation of a Blue Culture", Dragasakis said that the process of privatizing Greece's Piraeus port, halted for months, will soon resume and bidding offers will be completed.

China’s COSCO has a 35-year management lease for Piers II and III at Piraeus port that took effect in 2008.

Greek News Agenda: COSCO