ATHENS, Sept. 23 -- Officials and representatives of different sectors praised Sino-Greek friendship and cooperation at a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy here on Monday in the lead up to the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Addressing the event attended by Greek state officials, ministers and representatives of the academic, business and culture communities, Chinese Ambassador to Greece Zhang Qiyue spoke of the tremendous changes and achievements scored by China over the past seven decades, such as lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty.

"Our goal is to build a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious," she said.

As one of the most important engines of global growth today, China promotes collaboration across the globe to achieve sustainable development, she noted.

"We are determined to contribute further to world peace and development," Zhang said, adding that the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) provides the world with new ideas and solutions.

China attaches great importance to promoting its relationship with Greece, based on mutual respect, shared values and similar views, she said.

Delivering a speech on behalf of the Greek government, Minister of Development and Investments Adonis Georgiadis expressed admiration for the achievements Chinese people have made throughout the centuries and in modern history, voicing Athens' willingness to further advance bilateral cooperation in mutually beneficial projects across all sectors.

"We really admire China in Greece. The People's Republic of China is one of the biggest investors in Greece and in the last ten years we made together many stories of success. Even more investments from China are very welcome in Greece," he said.

During Monday's celebratory event, 10 Greek organizations that have contributed to bilateral ties were presented with the China-Greece Friendship Award.