Greek Culture and Tourism Minister Pavlos Geroulanos Tuesday signed a Cooperation Protocol with the Vice President of China's National Tourism Authority and Head of the Chinese Delegation Jiang Du.

The?protocol aimed?to promote mutual action in a series of fields in the tourist sector and know-how exchanges in the sector of tourist training and preparation.

The two sides agreed, among other things, to encourage the start of direct air linkage between the two countries and to strengthen cooperation between tourist businessmen, cultural agencies and journalistic missions of the two countries.

The Chinese delegation showed particular interest in participation in the "Cultures Crossroads 2013" in Thessaloniki, where China will be the theme country, and committed itself to backing the institution with a considerable presence.

Special reference was made to the Greek state's considerable efforts to facilitate Chinese visitors during the visa issuing process.