by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) put forward five years ago by China and welcomed by over 100 countries worldwide connects the Chinese dream to the Greek dream, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zou Xiaoli told representatives of the Greek business community here on Thursday.

"The BRI closely connects the Chinese dream to the Greek dream. In the new era, China and Greece will once again promote progress in human civilization by joining hands in Belt and Road cooperation, which is far from accidental; rather, it is a choice of history, a demand of the times, and a blessing for the whole world," Zou said, delivering a speech at a symposium held at the Athens Stock Exchange.

As a keynote speaker at the event organized by the Chamber of Greek-Chinese Economic Cooperation under the theme "The New Roads of Silk and Europe", the Chinese ambassador presented the Chinese cooperation perspective between countries along the ancient Silk Road in the context of the BRI, which aims to facilitate contacts and generate shared prosperity.

Reflecting on the most important achievements of Sino-Greek cooperation under the initiative, Zou noted that high-level communication between China and Greece had contributed to finding a clear strategic direction for both sides and had helped launch cooperation under a consensus.

"China and Greece are not simply two good friends who are united by common interests and determined to go through thick and thin together. We can also become strategic partners striving together for common development and prosperity," he stressed.

"The Chinese leaders have delivered a very clear message to the Greek side: China attaches great importance to Greece's crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative. China is ready to join hands with Greece to cultivate greater prospects for cooperation and a greater optimism for the future, not just for the next five or 10 years, but for many more to come," he added.

Zou referred to the impressive results of bilateral collaboration so far in the context of the BRI, such as COSCO's project in the port of Piraeus in recent years.

Pointing to steps taken already and plans for the future, Zou also underlined that Sino-Greek cooperation for the Belt and Road Initiative has boosted regional interconnectivity.

The Chinese ambassador stressed that China had matched its words with deeds and given firm support to Greece to help it overcome the debt crisis.

"We believe that supporting Greece is supporting the European Union (EU), supporting EU integration and China-EU cooperation. Likewise, Greece has stood by China in fighting unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguarding WTO rules," Zou said.

"Our two countries have learned from the course of human development and globalization that countries can only enjoy opportunities and realize win-win results by dealing with challenges together. There is no alternative," he underlined.

In opening remarks on behalf of the Greek government, Ioannis Brachos, secretary-general for international economic relations at the foreign ministry, said Greece warmly welcomed the Belt and Road Initiative, believing in its potential to create prosperity for all.

"We underline and welcome the willingness to engage all stakeholders along the road and provide real incentives and opportunities for increased interaction and joint projects," Brachos said.

Fotis Provatas, president of the Chamber of Greek-Chinese Economic Cooperation, told Xinhua that Zou was chosen to inaugurate a series of speeches and debates scheduled for the coming months on the opportunities the BRI creates.

"This way we know better which direction we should follow and how, if we wish to witness soon further enhancement of Sino-Greek ties," Provatas said.

"I believe we are on the right path. We should take careful steps, invest efforts and not expect to see results overnight," he added.