Athens - The “Ancient Cities with New Vitality · Chongqing Dialogues with Athens” Urban Civilization Dialogue was held at the Zappeion Megaron in Athens on September 25, bringing together more than 150 representatives from government, academia, business, and media of China and Greece. The dialogue focused on themes of cultural exchange, urban renewal, green transformation, and youth engagement, injecting new momentum into bilateral cooperation and paving the way for the 20th anniversary of the China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership next year.

The “Ancient Cities with New Vitality · Chongqing Dialogues with Athens” Urban Civilization Dialogue was held at the Zappeion Megaron in Athens on September 25.

Jointly organized by China’s State Council Information Office, the Chinese Embassy in Greece, and the City of Athens, the event was co-hosted by the Information Office of Chongqing Municipal People’s Government and the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations.

Celebrating Civilizational Affinities

Hu Kaihong, Deputy Chief of China's Central Office of Cultural and Ethical Progress, delivers the opening speech.

In his keynote remarks, Hu Kaihong, Deputy Chief of China's Central Office of Cultural and Ethical Progress, highlighted the long-standing ties between the two nations.

“China and Greece, both ancient civilizations with rich histories, have long been strategic partners bound by mutual respect and shared achievements,” he said. “More than two millennia ago, the Silk Road connected us. Today, with the spirit of ‘harmony in diversity’ and the pursuit of ‘beauty shared by all,’ our civilizations continue to inspire each other.”

Ioannis Theofanopoulos, Chairman of the Greece-China Friendship Association and former Greek Ambassador to China, addresses the event.

Nikos Chrysogelos, Deputy Mayor of Athens, praised the commonalities between the two historic, river-and-mountain cities and expressed Athens’ commitment to deepening cooperation with Chongqing. Ioannis Theofanopoulos, Chairman of the Greece-China Friendship Association and former Greek Ambassador to China, recalled his tenure in Beijing and affirmed the enduring significance of bilateral cultural exchanges.

Lai Bo, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy to Greece, delivers remarks.

Lai Bo, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy to Greece, noted that exchanges between Chongqing and Athens in archaeology and urban development could unlock new opportunities. He called for more joint academic initiatives and youth programs to strengthen people-to-people ties.

Dialogue Beyond Boundaries

Zhao Deming, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, gives the keynote speech.

Zhao Deming, Deputy Director-General of the Publicity Department of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, outlined Chongqing’s evolution into a dynamic megacity, emphasizing innovation, openness, ecological protection, and cultural heritage. Zhao invited Greek partners to pursue cooperation that fosters “shared appreciation in culture, win-win development in industry, and joint progress in civilizational exchange.”

Audience members listen attentively to the speech by Chloe Balla, President of the Greek Council of the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations.

Chloe Balla, President of the Greek Council of the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations, evoked Plato’s dialogue between Socrates and Phaedrus by the Ilissos River to illustrate how authentic, face-to-face exchanges surpass digital communication. Scholars from both countries shared perspectives on the cultural dimensions of sustainable development and urban renewal in mountainous and peninsular cities.

Concrete Exchanges, Shared Practices

Three parallel roundtables showcased collaborative practices across sustainable development, ecological transformation, and youth dialogue.

Chinese speakers highlighted initiatives such as cultural heritage conservation and innovative approaches to urban renewal, while Greek experts shared insights on the relationship between geography, culture, and city planning. The dialogues also emphasized the importance of green technologies, adaptive reuse of historic and industrial sites, social equity, and stronger youth-to-youth exchanges, underscoring the shared commitment of both countries to balance tradition with modern development and to foster mutual understanding for future generations.

Representatives from the Chinese and Greek governments, academia, and business circles take part in a roundtable dialogue.

The event concluded on an optimistic note, with participants agreeing that the sustainable development of ancient cities is vital not only to preserving history but also to shaping future competitiveness. The Chongqing-Athens dialogue was hailed as a model of how civilizations can draw wisdom from the past to address contemporary urban challenges.

Standing at the threshold of the 20th anniversary of China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, this dialogue was seen as a bridge across mountains and seas — one that brings two ancient civilizations together once again to contribute shared wisdom for the cities of tomorrow.