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ATHENS, Jan. 30-- Hundreds of Greeks and Chinese flocked on Wednesday to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens to celebrate together the forthcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 5 this year. On the occasion of the festival, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation hosted an open discussion with Chinese and Greek officials and experts on the elements that bridge China and Greece. The past, present and future of bilateral ties with emphasis on culture were highlighted by speakers, while the artistic program of the evening included music, dance and martial arts performances. Zhang Qiyue, Chinese Ambassador to Greece, and Zu Lijun, director of Business Confucius Institute at Athens University of Economics and Business, explained to the audience the significance of the upcoming holiday for Chinese people, the symbolism of the red color, many customs of the Spring Festival and the great importance Chinese attach to family and respect of the ancestors. Leonidas Rokanas, Ambassador of Greece to China, and Angelos Chaniotis, Professor of Ancient History and Classics at the Institute for Advanced study in Princeton, on their part, referred to the similarities in the teachings of Confucius and ancient Greek philosophers, both peoples' focus on education and the mutual respect between the two nations representing two ancient civilizations. Speakers and members of the audience also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, art, science and education, expressing confidence that the deepening of Sino-Greek collaboration in the future will benefit both sides and the world. | 
