国内英语新闻:Greece, China pledge to boost friendly cooperation

ATHENS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang and his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos on Tuesday agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in various areas including economy, education, culture and international affairs.

Zhang said that China is willing to cooperate with Greece to push forward their comprehensive strategic relations.

China is ready to cooperate with Greece to expand bilateral trade and investment, and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, he said.

Greek Deputy Primer Minister Theodoros Pangalos (L) meets with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang in Athens, Greece, on June 15, 2010. Zhang is in Greece for an official visit.

China is also willing to expand its import of Greek products and hopes that Greece could provide convenience and support for Chinese enterprises that made investments or started businesses there, said Zhang.

He also urged the two sides to boost maritime cooperation.

Pangalos hailed China-Greece relations as "excellent," saying Greece will continue to strengthen its strategic relations with China, and carry out effective cooperation in regional and international issues.

Pangalos said Greece also hoped that the two governments could strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs, trade and economy and investment so as to achieve common development.

The two nations signed a total of 14 cooperation agreements on Tuesday in the presence of the two vice premiers.