China and Greece signed here Monday the Protocol of Cultural Exchanges for 2007-2010.

Sharing grand ancient civilizations and rich cultural heritage, both countries will increase cooperation in the protection of cultural relics as well as exchanges in fine art, theater, cinema, music and traditional culture, according to the protocol.

Greek Culture Minister Michalis Liapis (L) and Chinese Vice Minister of Culture Zhao Weisui sign a 2007-2010 cultural exchange plan in Athens, Greece, Dec. 3, 2007. According the plan, China and Greece will develop communication and cooperation in the fields of art, film, music etc.

Zhao Weisui, China's Vice Minister of Culture, said the protocol is the first bilateral cultural exchange agreement after the two countries decided to set up a strategic partnership in 2006.

"The Cultural Year of Greece, started this October in Beijing, gave a chance to the Chinese people to know splendid ancient Greek civilization as well as the modern Greece," said Zhao.

Greek Minister of Culture Mihalis Liapis expressed his thanks to the Chinese government for holding the Greek cultural year on the eve of the Beijing Olympic Games, which are to be held in August, 2008.

The two ministers also showed their readiness to cooperate in the prevention of theft, illegal imports, exports and the transfer of cultural properties and works of art.

Greek Culture Minister Michalis Liapis (L) shakes hands with Chinese Vice Minister of Culture Zhao Weisui after signing the 2007-2010 cultural exchange plan in Athens, Greece, Dec. 3, 2007. According the plan, China and Greece will develop communication and cooperation in the fields of art, film, music etc. 

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2007)