Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left, center) meets with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras during their talks in Athens, Greece, June 19, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

ATHENS - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Greek counterpart Antonis Samaras on Thursday hailed the traditional friendship between their two countries and expected more win-win cooperation in the future.

At a joint press conference after their meeting, Premier Li appreciated the assistance offered by Greece to help Chinese nationals evacuate from violence-hit Libya in 2011, and expressed China's firm belief in Greece to tackle the difficulties brought by its debt crisis.

China is a responsible and long-term investor of Greek national bonds, Li noted, calling the Sino-Greek relations mutually beneficial.

Echoing Li's comments, Greek Prime Minister Samaras said the two countries, which have fostered brotherly friendship, have been been supporting each other and conducting strategic cooperation.

China has helped Greece tide over its debt crisis and further expansion of cooperation between the two countries will benefit themselves and the Europe as well, he said.

Greece also stands ready to boost its cooperation with China in such fields as port, railway and shipping, the Greek leader said, pledging to make the Piraeus port a transit center for regional trade and a gateway for Chinese commodities in Europe.

When answering questions about China's economy, Li explained major economic targets this year, including a 7.5-percent GDP growth, an increase of over 10 million people in urban employment and a 3.5-percent CPI rise.

China's GDP growth this year could be slightly above or below 7.5 percent, as long as adequate employment could be achieved, Li said, adding that China did not take stimulus measures despite economic downside pressure.

He also emphasized the need to push forward structural reform to maintain a medium- to high-level growth of the Chinese economy in the long term.

Premier Li arrived here Thursday for an official visit, his first trip to Greece since taking office in 2013.