Mitsotakis: Greece goal is to make Piraeus the largest port in Europe

SHANGHAI (ANA/ N. Armenis) -"Our common goal is to make Piraeus Port the largest port in Europe," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cosco's president stressed during the prime minister's visit to the Chinese company headquarters in Shanghai. The prime minister was greeted warmly by Cosco workers holding flags of both countries. Cosco President Xu Lirong, who until recently led the company's investment in Greece, thanked the prime minister for the quick approval of the new master plan, which - as he stressed - is a milestone for future cooperation between the two sides.

"Your presence in Piraeus in April gave us strength. Today Piraeus is the largest port in the Mediterranean and among the 10 largest in the world," said the president of the Chinese company. "When I visited you as the leader of the opposition, I had told you that if the Greek people trusted us, we would move quickly to approve the master plan. Indeed, on July 7, the Greek people gave us the mandate to implement our financial plan. We did nothing more than what we pledged to the Greek people. I look forward to the completion of your investment plan, which will also develop other aspects of Piraeus," Mitsotakis said.

"I attach great importance to new infrastructure, new hotels and the development of Piraeus that will make it a world-class hub for cruising," Mitsotakis added. He also welcomed the Chinese interest in shipbuilding, noting that it is important to support domestic activity in Perama.

"I would like to inform you that the additional plan to extend the port is under discussion and the government is positively disposed in principle, provided we can convince the local community that the agreement will be in its favor and not burden the environment," the prime minister noted.