Tsipras receives member of Chinese Politburo Liu Qibao
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met on Thursday with Liu Qibao, member of the Politburo of the Communist Party, responsible for issues of culture as part of the events to mark the start of the Greece-China Year 2017.
Issues related to cultural cooperation in the cinema and the audiovisual sector dominated the meeting. The meeting is held two and a half weeks before Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visits China to take part in the forum on the modern silk road and have meetings with the Chinese President and the Chinese Prime Minister.
"Your visit takes place after a series of high-level meetings, all of which signify the great interest of the People's Republic of China for Greece," Tsipras said, welcoming Liu Qibao, and added:
"Last week, we had the conference of ancient cultures at the initiative of the foreign ministers of the two countries. Today, you and the Greek Culture Minister will have the opportunity to inaugurate the year of cultural exchanges between Greece and China in the Byzantine and Christian Museum, a very important initiative. The basis for building trade and economic cooperation is cooperation in culture."
On his part, Liu Qibao conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang adding that he is looking forward to Tsipras' visit next May at the forum on the new silk road during which they will discuss all issues of common interest.
Regarding the forum on the ancient cultures, he said, "I think it is a very important initiative that can mark the beginning of very interesting things. There is currently a very good momentum for economic and cultural cooperation between our countries. In today's meeting, we want to discuss with you our cooperation in the field of culture."
"That is why it is a great honour for me to have this meeting with you, Prime Minister," Liu Qibao stressed.
