Five years after China began international cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, how do countries involved think about its achievements? Greece's Ambassador to China Leonidas Rokanas told CGTN reporter Wu Guoxiu, that it is a great tool for development.

Under the Belt and Road initiative, how do you evaluate achievements made between China and Greece? What impressed you most?

LEONIDAS ROKANAS GREEK AMBASSADOR TO CHINA "It's a great developmental tool. For us, it's ascending economic phase, the Belt and Road presents itself as a good opportunity. The numbers are good for both trade and investment. Also, we are very optimistic about other things about civilization and culture - which is very important for both of us -- which is peaking up. We had the cultural year between China and Greece in 2017. This is continuing, with increased activities on both sides. People-to-people contacts and tourism are also peaking up, and I think the rhythms are characteristic, you know, the good phase that this is going through."

Is the Port of Piraeus a successful example of cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, why or why not?

LEONIDAS ROKANAS GREEK AMBASSADOR TO CHINA "It stands out, not only because it's been one of the most long-standing projects we've had. This already really started back in 2006, 2008 with the maritime collaboration between China and Greece. But because I think it is very successful. And it is very productive and mutually beneficial for both. Actually, I would go as far as to say that this could also be used as an example or as an emblematic project -- also not just for Greece, but for other countries that are interested in Chinese investment or Chinese collaboration. They could emulate some of the things we've done together with the Chinese in the Port of Piraeus. For us, it is beneficial, also because it gives the signal that not in terms of infrastructure, but in terms of generally big investment. Greece is eligible, and a good investment destination now. So it's a very good investment destination for Chinese investors first of all, but of course for other foreign investors also."

What's your ideal picture of this cooperation for the future?

LEONIDAS ROKANAS GREEK AMBASSADOR TO CHINA "We already have very important agreements, like the MOU that we signed last May during the summit of the Belt and Road. And this of course points to three sectors. This memorandum is about collaboration in infrastructure logistics, but also in energy, and also in telecommunications and in finance. All of these are very important sectors for us. And of course, the collaboration has already started the application of this memorandum. I would say another aspect that is opening-up is the 16+1 initiative of China, which is connected in my view -- and complementary to -- both the European Union Project, but also to the Belt and Road. And we have already as you know, submitted a request to become a full member of the 16+1. Now we are an observer state in this initiative. We hope to be able to benefit from the economic collaboration within that very friendly group of countries."