1.
SV INTERIOR: Chinese Foreign Minister Huang Hua.
0.26

2.
CU PAN FROM Huang Hua to Karamanlis during talks.
0.37

3.
GV EXTERIOR Foreign Ministry.
0.42

4.
SV INTERIOR Huang Hua seated with Greek Foreign Minster Goerge Rallis signing cultural agreement. (three shots)
1.12



Initials PH/1615



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The Chinese Foreign Minister, Huang Hua, has concluded a cultural agreement for his country with the Greek government. Mr. Hua signed the agreement in Athens on Friday (22 September) during his four-day official visit to Greece.

SYNOPSIS: Before the signing, Mr. Hua and Greek Prime Minister Constantine Karamanlis met for talks 'to exchange views on problems of common concern.' The visit was another step in China's new open diplomacy in the sensitive Balkan area. Signing of the cultural agreement was expected to help bring about increased trade between Greece and China.

Diplomatic sources said the Greek side would brief Mr. Hua on the Cyprus issue, and the disputes between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean Sea.

The Greek Foreign Ministry, where the agreement was signed. Greek Foreign Minister George Rallis, seen here signing with Mr. Hua, described it as the first of its kind between China and a Western country. Mr. Hua said that, despite the physical distance between their lands, China and Greece were linked by long cultural heritage. Greece has said it wants friendly relations with all countries, but observers say it also wants to stay clear of any struggle between Chine and the Soviet Union.