On August 27, 2018, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing with visiting Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias of Greece. They jointly signed a memorandum of understanding on inter-governmental cooperation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Wang Yi expressed that as an ancient civilization and also an important member of the European Union (EU), Greece has upheld positive policies towards China for years and played a constructive role in the EU's exchanges with China. Such gestures are not only in line with Greece's own interests, but also conform to the overall interests of Europe. In the face of an uncertain and unstable international situation, China and Greece, as comprehensive strategic partners, should strengthen coordination and cooperation, jointly promote China-EU relations for in-depth development, jointly adhere to multilateralism, and oppose unilateralism, in a bid to inject more positive energy and stability into the world.

Wang Yi pointed out that the formal signing of the memorandum of understanding on cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative by the two sides this time will break new ground for the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative between China and Greece and write a new chapter in bilateral relations. The Chinese side is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with the Greek side, consolidate political mutual trust, take cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative as overall guidance, deepen cooperation in various fields including economy, trade and finance, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and intensify multilateral cooperation, so as to push forward bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership for new outcomes.

Nikos Kotzias said that both Greece and China are ancient civilizations and have made important contributions to promoting peace and harmony for mankind for thousands of years. Greece and China are good brothers and good friends. Greece highly values China's international status and role, and stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with the Chinese side, jointly support multilateralism, promote free trade, and promote world peace and development in the complex and ever-changing international situation. The Greek side actively supports the Belt and Road Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping and is very glad to sign the memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Chinese side. The Greek side is willing to take it as an opportunity to push forward the practical cooperation between the two countries to new stages and the people-to-people and cultural exchanges to new highs. The Greek side highly appreciates the Chinese side's support for the European integration process, believes that the "16+1" cooperation will contribute to the development of Southeast European countries, and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in promoting China-EU cooperation.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

After the talks, both sides also jointly met the press.