Greek ambassador to China Michel Cambanis said on the eve of the Olympic flame's arrival in Beijing that he reckons the Olympic torch a carrier of civilizations.
"This journey of the Olympic flame from Athens to Beijing will mark the succession of the Athens Olympics by the Beijing Olympic Games," Cambanis told Xinhua on Sunday.
"From the ancient western civilization and modern Greece, the baton of relay will be passed to a highly valued representative of the eastern civilization, China, transforming this torch relay into a true relay of civilizations," he added.
Cambanis was interviewed by Xinhua ahead of the handover ceremony of the Olympic flame, which was held Sunday afternoon at the Panathenian Stadium of Athens, the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
The Olympic flame will arrive in Beijing Monday morning, to start a month-long "journey of harmony" throughout the world.
"Greeks are delighted by this fact not only for their feelings of friendship towards Chinese people, but also for their belief that countries with a cultural heritage such as the ones of Greece and China should put all their efforts in promoting the Olympic spirit, that is fair play and peaceful coexistence, around the world," said Cambanis..
The ambassador said the Greek people are highly expecting the Beijing Olympics.
"Greek people are very much looking forward to the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, to watch them from close or afar, to participate in competitions, to celebrate and congratulate Chinese people for their undoubted success.
"My country's expectations, as well as my own, with regard to the forthcoming Games are high. It should be like that, since China has accustomed us in great achievements. There is no doubt that we are going to witness more of them next summer," he said.
The ambassador also expressed the best wishes of Greece and Greek people towards the upcoming Beijing Games.
"On my government's and my people's behalf, I would like to wish Beijing and all Chinese cities that will be hosting Olympic competitions, a success that will stay in peoples' minds and hearts for generations to come," he concluded.
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