ATHENS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- The relationship between Greece and China has entered a golden period, Greek Culture Minister Michalis Liapis said in an interview with Xinhua Saturday before he embarks on a four-day visit to China.

    Liapis, who will visit China between Feb. 25 and Feb. 28, is going to sign an agreement with the Chinese Ministry of Culture on combating illegal trafficking of art crafts.

    "Every nation should protect its own relics, antiquities, defying any obstacles," he said.

    The minister also proposed holding a Chinese Cultural Year in Greece, saying culture is the best bridge to link the Chinese people and the Greek people, and to deepen the friendship and understanding of the two countries.

    He admitted that most of the Greeks are not very familiar with the modern Chinese culture, so it is a good opportunity to bring Greek and Chinese people closer through cultural exchanges.

    The Cultural Year of Greece, which presents the modern and diachronic characteristics of the Hellenic Culture, has been staged in Beijing since September 2007 and will end in September 2008.

    "Theatrical performances, movies, dances, archaeological and modern art exhibitions, operas, folk concerts, modern and popular music, conferences and book exhibitions constitute the different activities taking place in the framework of the 'Cultural Year of Greece in China'," he said.

    "We want our Chinese friends to have a very good 'taste' of Greece and the feedback we have until now is very positive," the minister added.

    Liapis is satisfied with what has achieved between China and Greece since the two countries established diplomatic relations 35years ago.

    He stressed that the opening of Beijing-Athens direct flight last November, for which he has worked hard as Minister of Transport, and the Greek Cultural Year in China injected new energy into the bilateral relations.

    "Greece ranks among the top 10 overseas destinations among Chinese tourists. At the moment, our bilateral relationship has entered a golden period. It features frequent high-level visits, the dynamic economic and trade cooperation, cultural events and solid ground of coordination in the global sphere," said Liapis.

    "There is also very close cooperation about the Olympic Games. Many Greeks are working in Beijing for the Games and I know that far more Greek people including myself are going to visit Beijing in August," he said.