The inauguration of the Center for Greek Studies of the Nankai University at Tianjin took place on 26 November 2017, in the presence of the Greek Ambassador to China, Mr Leonidas Rokanas.

During his speech, Ambassador Rocanas underlined the influence of Greek and Chinese cultures in world history. Referring to the global historical significance of the Silk Road, the Greek Ambassador spoke about the modern Chinese Belt and Road initiative, and Greece's opening up position as a hub in this context, as well as the new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, whose relations are undergoing a period of strong and dynamic growth. At the same time, Mr Rocanas stressed the importance of education and culture for bilateral cooperation and pointed the further strengthening of relations with Nankai University.

The Greek Ambassador made a special reference to the programme "Hellenistic Culture and the Silk Road" of the Department of History of the University of Nankai, a programme that explores the influence of the Hellenistic world on the creation and evolution of Silk Roads, and the interaction of Hellenistic and Chinese civilizations.