The ship "Hellenic Spirit" arrived in the Cretan port of Irakleio on Thursday, carrying a very large group of Chinese nationals evacuated from strife-torn Libya.

Greece has agreed to offer hospitality to Chinese evacuees arriving from Libya, who will stay on Crete until arrangements are made for their return to China.

The first passengers disembarked from the vessel and were taken to hotels where they will be hosted.

A second ship provided by the shipping firm ANEK Lines also arrived shortly before 3 p.m. with the remaining Chinese nationals that will be staying at hotels on the island.

On the scene are Chinese ambassador to Greece Luo Linquan and the head of the Crete regional authority, who are coordinating the operation.

In statements earlier, the ambassador praised Athens' prompt response and offer of assistance to China, saying that "it was a moment that would remain in the history of relations between the two peoples".