Cultural centers in Athens, Beijing to boost ties

The creation of cultural centers in Athens and Beijing would further boost cooperation between Greece and China, officials said Tuesday.

"We put as primary goal the creation of the Greek House of Culture in Beijing, while China prepares to establish a Centre of Chinese Culture in Athens," Greek Culture Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos told a press conference held in the Museum of Acropolis.

Athens' plan is part of a wider program regarding the reconstruction of the Greek Foundation of Culture and its branches to major countries of the world, the Greek official explained.

The aim is to turn the Foundation into a strong institutional pillar of cultural diplomacy for Greece by promoting the accomplishments of Greek culture all over the globe.

In this context Greece and China will further deepen and expand their cooperation in this sector.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli said during the press conference that "Greece is considered among the good and important friends of China. Since now, we have developed cooperation of strategic importance in boosting the economies."

"We should enhance also our cultural exchanges in art foundations, research centers, museums, universities, and other institutions," said the ambassador.

Talks between Greek Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos and visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Chao this week included the details for the creation of the cultural center in Athens in the next months, the Ambassador said.