ATHENS, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The latest evacuation of dozens of Chinese citizens from Libya last week via a Greek naval frigate was yet another indication of the strong ties between Greece and China and of the developing strategic Sino-Greek partnership, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Konstantinos Koutras told Xinhua on Monday.
Greece is at China’s disposal for further assistance if needed, Koutras said.
Frigate “Salamis” reached Piraeus port on Saturday after evacuating and transferring to safety 187 citizens of various nationalities from war torn Libya, including Chinese who continued their trip to China during the weekend and Monday.
“The evacuation of 79 Chinese nationals from Libya last week via a Greek naval vessel was yet another indication -- following the recent visits to Greece by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and President Xi Jinping -- of the very strong ties between Greece and China and of the strategic partnership that we are continuing to develop,” Koutras stated in a written statement.
During talks with Greek leaders while visiting Athens and Rhodes respectively in June and July, Chinese leaders praised the excellent deepening bilateral cooperation in many sectors, making references to the previous successful large-scale evacuation operation of thousands of Chinese citizens from Libya with Greece’s assistance.
Three years ago Greek merchant chartered vessels carried out of Libya about 13,000 Chinese nationals who returned safe to China via the Greek island of Crete.
“As in the successful evacuation of 2011, the Greek merchant fleet, escorted by Greek warships, if needed, is again at China’s disposal for the evacuation of any of its citizens who are endangered by the current developments in Libya,” Koutras stressed.