Letter of condolence from Chinese Ambassador Zou Xiaoli
To the family of Mr. Aristides Alafouzos
Shocked upon hearing the unfortunate passing of Mr. Aristides Alafouzos, please allow me to offer deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Greece. Over the past half a century, Mr. Alafouzos has made outstanding contribution to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples of China and Greece. In 2011, Mr. Alafouzos was conferred the honorary title of "people's friendship envoy" by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, which demonstrates the tribute and appreciation of the Chinese government and people towards him.
Over the past 3-plus years since I became the Chinese Ambassador in Greece, Mr. Alafouzos and Kathimerini, the newspaper he owned, has strengthened cooperation with Chinese media and the Chinese Embassy in Greece, covering with great objectivity news on China and new progress in China-Greece relations. A few days ago, Kathimerini issued a special edition on "Belt and Road" during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in Beiiing, which sent the strong signal of support for China-Greece cooperation under the "Belt and Road' framework and achieved wide acclaim. It was still vivid in my mind that three years ago, Mr. Alafouzos came to our National Day Reception in the Chinese Embassy despite his senior years. He was on old friend of the Chinese people and a man deserving great respect. The Chinese Embassy and I will always remember him with great fondness.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Greece and the first year of the second decade of our comprehensive and strategic partnership. Bilateral cooperation in various areas is being elevated to new levels. The Chinese side stands ready to forge ahead the sound relations of cooperation with Kathimerini and make new contribution to increasing understanding and friendship between the two peoples, which I am convinced, is also the wish of Mr. Alafouzos.
Please accept, once again, my deepest condolences.
Zou Xiaoli
Chinese Ambassador to Greece
