Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and George Papandreou, Foreign
Minister of Greece, which holds the European Union (EU) rotating
presidency, had a phone conversation Monday.
Li
briefed Papandreou on China's all-out effort to combat severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Li
said China has received extensive sympathy and support from the
international community, including Greece and the EU, which has
increased the Chinese people's determination in the fight against
SARS.
"We're confident and capable of winning the battle against SARS,"
Li said.
Li
also expressed appreciation and thanks for Greece's and
Papandreou's efforts to promote Sino-EU relations since Greece took
up EU rotating presidency.
Papandreou said Greece is glad to be able to help and support the
development of China-EU relations during its term of EU rotating
presidency
.
He
said Greece has high esteem for China and the Greek people and all
European people have always cherished friendly feelings for the
Chinese people.
Greece is ready to continue to aid and support China's fight
against SARS and hopes and believes China can overcome the disaster
as soon as possible, Papandreou said.
(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2003)