ROK speaker of National Assembly pays historic visit to Greece

ATHENS, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o paid an official visit to Greece on Thursday, aiming at strengthening the historic ties that bind the two countries.

He is the first head of the ROK National Assembly to visit Greece in 60 years.

Kim was received by Greek President Karolos Papoulias, and held a separate meeting with Greece's Prime Minister George Papandreou.

"It is always a great pleasure to welcome the Speaker of Parliament of a friendly country which is connected with Greece with historical ties," Papoulias said.

On his part, Kim stated that it is an honor for him to be the first chairman of his country's parliament to visit Greece.