Greek media show strong interest in Chinese premier's visit
Comments Print Mail Large Medium SmallATHENS - Greek print and electronic media have given extensive coverage to Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit, with a strong focus on the future of bilateral cooperation.
Ahead of his arrival here Thursday afternoon, several local newspapers, TV channels and news portals carried an article written by Li for Greek daily Kathimerini on the prospects of China-Greece cooperation.
The agenda of talks with Greek officials, the signing of bilateral economic cooperation memoranda and the future of collaboration between the two countries and peoples were the key topics in reports from Greek national news agency AMNA and most local media.
"Beijing has already proceeded to a string of investments in Greece and has great interest in further investments, in particular in the transport sector," AMNA said.
"The Chinese premier arrives with investment plans in his luggage," read the title of the main story printed in leading daily Ta Nea as well as news portal in.gr, which referred to plans for further investments in the port of Piraeus, the airports of Athens and Kastelli on Crete island, infrastructure, shipping, energy and real estate.
"The visit opens new roads for Chinese investments," said the title of the main article in Vima newspaper.
"The Greek government and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras attach great political importance to the Chinese premier's visit to Greece. The further strengthening of financial ties between Greece and China, a world power in economic terms, is of strategic importance for Athens," Vima said.
News portal Real.gr noted in a report that Li, "who holds a PhD degree in economics and is a strong proponent of reforms and greater access to markets, ... is focused on Piraeus, where Chinese investments have changed the port's image."
National broadcaster NERIT and private channels ANTENNA, MEGA, SKAI and STAR also covered the landmark visit in their news programs, voicing expectations that relations between the two countries will be further strengthened.