MEDIA FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTIVE TIES

Greek media have given an extensive coverage to the China-Greece ties before and throughout Li's visit to the Mediterranean country, which they have described as a milestone for the future development of bilateral relations.

"The visit opens new roads for Chinese investments," said the title of the main article in Vima newspaper on Thursday.

"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.

Commentators from Greek dailies, television channels and news portals stressed the great importance attached by both countries to the further development of their ties for the benefit of both countries and peoples.

"The Greek Prime Minister addressed his Chinese counterpart as a friend and praised China's support to Greece in difficult times, " noted a report by Greek national news agency AMNA which was circulated by several newspapers and television channels.

Daily newspaper Ethnos noted in an article that Li's visit "signals the start of a major circle of investments to Greece," as COSCO's successful operation at Piraeus has paved the way for more Chinese investments.

"Throughout his visit to Greece, the Chinese premier did not stop underlining the strategic character of Chinese investment to Greece," wrote an article carried by Xrima financial news portal.

An editorial carried by Vima newspaper on Friday under the title "Dragon's era" said the China-Greece cooperation is strategic and must be strengthened as much as possible. "It is cooperation with nothing but positive elements for Greece."

Li arrived in Athens on Thursday for a three-day official visit, his first trip to Greece since he took office in 2013. Greece is the second leg of his two-nation Europe tour, which first took him to Britain.