Golden Panda Awards: Former Greek PM on China-Greece relations – 'We have a strong friendship with China'

In an interview with CGTN's Mi Sutong, former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, who delivered the keynote speech at the Golden Panda International Cultural Forum on Saturday in Chengdu, reflected on the strong and enduring friendship between China and Greece. 

Papandreou emphasized their deepening cooperation over the years. He highlighted the significance of the Second Golden Panda Awards in promoting cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding between the two nations.

Papandreou also recalled his experience attending the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, where he was deeply moved by the country's message of peace. 

During his tenure as Greek prime minister from 2009 to 2011, he also helped facilitate the evacuation of Chinese workers from Libya during the civil war, demonstrating Greece's solidarity with China in times of crisis. Additionally, he spoke about China's significant investment in Greece's Piraeus port under the Belt and Road Initiative, which has greatly enhanced economic ties between China and Greece.