On July 21, the 2nd China-Greece Dialogue on Exchange and Mutual Learning of Civilizations & Opening Ceremony of "Chinese Bridge" Virtual Summer Camps for Greek Students, was successfully organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC).

Jing Wei, Deputy Director-General of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC); Yan Dong, Vice President of CPAFFC; Xiao Junzheng, Ambassador of China to Greece; and George Floras, Managing Partner of Belt and Road Associates in Greece, attended the event and delivered speeches. G. Iliopoulos, Ambassador of Greece to China, sent a video message for the event. Nearly 200 people, including participants from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China, University of Thessaly in Greece, members of friendship organizations of sister cities in the two countries, experts, scholars and youth representatives, participated in it online.

Jing Wei said that this year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Greece, and this conference has a very special significance to reinforce the cultural ties, promote win-win cooperation and continue to write a new chapter of friendship through the dialogue of university principals, friendship city and youths. It draws on the wisdom of ancient civilizations to plan for the future, showing the responsibility of ancient civilizations. CLEC attaches great importance to Chinese language education in Greece and welcomes Greek students to learn about the real, three-dimensional and comprehensive China through the opportunities and resources provided by CLEC. We expect to take this opportunity to build more cooperation platforms, promote diversified and high-quality development of language and cultural exchanges, and inject new impetus to mutual learning of civilizations and people-to-people bonds.

Yan Dong said that China and Greece are both ancient civilizations, and the contact and cooperation between the two sides is based on the deep historical background and solid will of the people, setting an example of exchange and mutual learning of civilizations for the international community. In the new era, we should draw on the wisdom of civilizations, promote security, development and friendship through the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations. Basing on these, the two countries better build consensus on development, promote mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples and enhance people-to-people exchanges. Meanwhile, it expands exchanges between Chinese and Greek youth, non-governmental organizations, sister cities and other fields, making new contributions to the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations.

Xiao Junzheng said that the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations is an important driving force for the progress of human civilization and the peaceful development of the world. Hundreds of Greek students will participate in the "Chinese Bridge" Virtual Summer Camps in the form of "Cloud Visit", which is another practice of civilizational exchange and mutual learning between Greece and China.

G. Iliopoulos said that in the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Greece, exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education, academics and youth have been an important part of bilateral relations. The Embassy of Greece in China is ready to work together with the Chinese side to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and further promote friendly relations between the two countries.

George Floras said that the historical ties between the ancient civilizations of Greece and China can be brought closer through mutual learning of each other's languages. China's "Belt and Road" initiative not only deepens the economic and trade cooperation between Greece and China, and promotes exchange and mutual learning of civilizations, but it also makes great efforts to build a world of mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation.

During the dialogue, Li Yongqiang, Vice President of Southwestern University of Finance and Economics; Ioanna Laliotou, Vice Rector of University of Thessaly; Wang Qingchun, Vice Secretary General of Qingdao Municipal Government; Andriana Zarakeli, Vice Mayor of Piraeus City, Greece; and youth representatives of the two countries started a dialogue on sister cities, education, language and other areas of exchange and cooperation.

The participants agreed that language is an important bridge for the exchange and mutual learning of civilizations, and that they should draw wisdom and strength from the common values espoused by the two civilizations and join hands to contribute to the further development of Sino-Greek relations. (source from Center for Language Education and Cooperation)