China and Greece are Getting Closer
2010-12-02 22:17:28
CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Zheng
By Guo Jing
Greece, an ancient country known for its sophisticated civilization and rich culture, attracts 14 million tourists every year. Despite the long distance, Chinese visitors have an increasingly large presence in this country, signifying a strong interest in people from one ancient civilization for another.
The Greek government is now paying more attention to boosting cultural exchanges and attracting more tourists, especially Chinese visitors, according to Theodore Georgakelos, Greek Ambassador to China.
"Thanks to numerous cultural relics, the romantic atmosphere and moderate climate, Greece particularly appeals to Chinese visitors, and we are confident of the large potential in China's tourism market." Theodore Georgakelos told CRI at an exhibition entitled "Marathon, 2500 Years," which was held by the Embassy of Greece to mark the 2500th anniversary of Marathon and introduce to China the golden age of the cradle of European civilization.
"The only problem lies in the long distance between the two countries and high expense on the way. Thus, the Greek government has adjusted policies to facilitate visa procedures and cooperate with Chinese travel agencies," said Georgakelos.
But, there are other ways of bridging the gap between China and Greece. The Embassy of Greece in China has been focusing on introducing Greece's cultural treasures to China.
The embassy has contributed to some eye-catching activities, such as staging ancient Greek dramas directed and presented by Chinese artists, attending film festivals in China, and co-hosting tourism exhibitions in Beijing, Georgakelos added.
In addition, language and academic exchanges are increasingly popular ways to tie the two ancient countries together.
Stella Moniaki is a Greek language teacher at the Beijing Foreign Studies University. She is glad to see more and more Chinese people learning Greek. Fascinated by China's unique, ancient civilization, Moniaki came to China three years ago and first worked at the Shanghai International Studies University. She says that, along with closer economic ties between the two countries and frequent academic and cultural exchanges, more and more Greek people are interested in China, as well as learning Chinese.
Sun Tan, a senior student at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, believes she made the right decision to study Greek. During college, Sun and her classmates have been able to get an in-depth understanding of Greece. Greek drama at the National Grand Theater, Greek concerts at Zhongshan Music Hall, book fairs in Tianjin with Greece as the guest of honor all have offered platforms for Chinese people to understand the Greek mentality and Greek life.
(Radio Cina Internazionale)