Pledging a closer partnership on maritime issues, Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai kicked off the opening ceremony for the China-Greece maritime cooperation year in Beijing on Friday.

According to China's oceanic administration, this cooperation's theme is "deepening maritime cooperation and building blue civilization". The cooperation year will bring a series of exchange activities, including seminars of oceanic science technology, maritime laws and maritime conservation.

It is the first time China and Greece will cooperate on maritime issues. Ma pledged to strengthen the partnership between the two countries. He said Greece is China's good friend and an important partner in the European Union and China wants to improve its relation with Greece to a new level.

Ioannis Dragasakis, Greek vice premier, said at the ceremony that the Greece supports China's plan of a Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. He said Greece would enhance practical cooperation with China to develop a maritime partnership together.

During his trip to Greece in June 2014, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced with Greek authorities that 2015 would be the two countries' maritime cooperation year. A month later, Chinese President Xi Jinping also visited Greece and said the two sides will strengthen strategy and policy communication, and advance maritime cooperation.