China is willing to work with the Greek side to develop the port into a first-class one in the Mediterranean and an important regional hub, which could play a key role in constructing a land-sea express passage linking China and Europe and boosting the Asia-Europe interconnectivity, said the Chinese premier.

Li expressed the confidence that the project will also accelerate the integration process and balanced development in Europe.

In response, Tsipras said that Greece, in a vital phase of reviving and developing national economy, needs China's support and help. Greece is ready to strengthen maritime and shipping collaboration with China and conduct mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as infrastructure and finance, he added.

The Piraeus project with the Chinese shipping giant Cosco is crucial for Greece's economic development, he said. As a pilot project for Greece-China cooperation, Athens will attach more significance and provide more support for it, promised Tsipras.

China is an important power backing Europe's stability and development, said the Greek prime minister. Greece values the construction of the Europe-China land-sea express passage, and is willing to serve as a bridge for Europe-China interactions and enhance constant progress of the European-Chinese partnership.