Premier Li Keqiang had a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on Dec 24.

Samaras updated Li with the latest development in Sino-Greece cooperation. Samaras said that the Greek parliament just approved the friendly negotiation protocol regarding the port of Piraeus, jointly operated by China Ocean Shipping Company and the Greek port authority. The approval of the protocol will enhance the two nation's relations, Samaras told Li.

Li gave positive remarks on the latest achievement and said that the protocol set a legal base for further cooperation between the two nations.

Li mentioned that during his stay in Belgrade last week, China, Serbia, Hungary and Macedonia agreed to build the China-Europe land-sea express passage, which links the Greek port of Piraeus in the south and the Hungarian capital of Budapest in the north. The link will string together the Macedonian capital of Skopje and Belgrade.

All parties involved signed agreements to facilitate the customs clearance, Li added.

The construction of the express line will mainly use Chinese equipment in accordance with the European Union standards and laws, Li said. The construction will benefit countries along the line and the balanced development of the EU, Li added.

Li said he appreciated Greece's support and willingness to participate in the construction of the express line. He said that China is willing to openly communicate and coordinate with Greece and all countries involved to finish the construction as soon as possible.

Samaras said that Greece is willing to take the chance of building the express line to deepen cooperation with China in all domains to achieve mutual benefits.

chenmengwei@chinadaily.com.cn