Greece could constitute a bridge between the EU and China for a more balanced relationship due to cultural ties and geopolitical position.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is paying an official visit to China and on Friday he will meet with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji.
The visit will be an opportunity to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation, as well as issues of regional and international interest (such as developments in the Middle East and Ukraine). It should be noted that China is a member of the UN Security Council and can play an important role in maintaining international peace and stability.
In the economic field, Greece is interested, among other things, in increasing exports (especially in the fields of agricultural and standardized products) and in further strengthening relations in tourism (as it is a large market). In fact, the visit is particularly important as it comes at a time when there is positive news for the Greek economy, such as the upgrade to investment grade by S&P.
Government sources on the visit
The prime minister is expected to reiterate Greece’s position that open channels of communication with China and cooperation to address global challenges – such as climate change – are necessary so that relations can be constructive and mutually beneficial.
Government sources noted that Greece can act as a bridge between the EU and China. Of course, they reminded that – as the prime minister has recently said – China is a competitor and this is the position of the European Union. Therefore, in the framework of the economic security of the EU and addressing global geopolitical challenges, de-risking relations with China and reducing dependence on critical raw materials are promoted. Meanwhile, the trade deficit of the EU against China reaches 400 billion euros.
China International Import Expo
It is noted that Greece participates in the China International Import Expo with a pavilion based on industry/construction, shipping, haute cuisine/Mediterranean diet, tourism, culture, as well as with a pavilion in the food sector.
The prime minister was initially expected to visit the exhibition, but according to government sources, due to the developments in the region, he will eventually return to Athens after the meetings with the Chinese political leadership.
