On   December 31, 2021, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to Greek   President Katerina Sakellaropoulou over the passing of former Greek President   Karolos Papoulias, expressing deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese   government and people.

Xi   Jinping pointed out, Mr. Papoulias was an outstanding politician and leader   of Greece and an old friend of the Chinese people. He has long dedicated himself   to deepening China-Greece friendship, actively promoted bilateral practical   cooperation in various fields and firmly supported Beijing's hosting of the   2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics, making important   contributions to the development of China-Greece comprehensive strategic   partnership. I attach great importance to the development of China-Greece   relations, and stand ready to work with President Sakellaropoulou to deepen   the traditional friendship between the two countries and push for new   outcomes in cooperation in various fields continuously to the benefit of the   two countries and peoples.