Both the Greek and Chinese nations are heirs of an immense legacy, which rests on the ideals and achievements of two major civilizations, with universal, ecumenical importance.
Athens handed over to Beijing the role of Olympic Games host, an act that symbolizes our shared values, the basis on which the long Sino-Greek friendship is evolving and developing.
Moreover, the Olympic Ideal expresses mankind's desire to build a world based on the rules of fair play, humanism, reconciliation and tolerance.
Today's Beijing is a cultural, scientific, economic, diplomatic and political center of global significance. The 2008 Olympic Games offers to China a unique opportunity to present its ancient civilization and culture to nations along with its modern achievements.
The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing is an ideal opportunity for two major, unique civilizations - Greek and Chinese- to meet and to develop bilateral relations that are not limited to only politics but also extend to economics, culture and civic society.
The organization of the Cultural Year of Greece in China by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture coincides with the 2008 Olympic year, which is a great honor. At the same time it offers a major opportunity to Greece to promote its culture and its modern face in a country where cultural values and traditions are deeply rooted in the minds and day-to-day life of people.
I deeply believe that the events of the Cultural Year will bring the two nations even closer together and will foster friendship and cooperation.
I am also certain that the Beijing Games will make you feel the same pride we felt after the success of the Athens Games.
(By Karolos Papoulias, President of Greece)
Questions:
1. What did the Greek President say the two countries were both heirs of?
2. List two things that the President says the Olympic Ideal expresses?
3. What was the opportunity that the Greek President says that the 2008 Olympic Games offer China to present to the outside world?
4. Why is 2008 also a special year for Greece in terms of relations with China?
Answers:
1. An immense cultural legacy.
2. Mankind’s desire to build a world based on the rules of fair play, humanism, reconciliation and tolerance.
3. Aunique opportunity to present its ancient civilation and culture to nations along with its modern achievements.
4. Because it is the Cultural Year of Greece in China.
（英语点津 Linda 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan is an Australian who has been involved in education and writing for over a decade. He has been published most recently for the Tiger Airways Inflight magazine, The Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times and Japan's Hiroshima Outside Magazine. He holds a Masters Degree in Community Development and Management and has resided in China for over 3 years.
