Press Releases

It is with a great pleasure that we are here today inaugurating the photo exhibition on the 50^th anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the Peoples’ Republic of China.

Despite the geographical distance, our two countries have forged strong ties of friendship based on shared principles and values. This is a relationship that has proven resilient through time and has kept evolving and growing, founded on our shared respect for International Law and the principles of the UN Charter.

The telephone conversation between President Nicos Anastasiades and President Xi Jinping, on November 30^th and the joint statement that was issued after it, as well as the visit of the Member of the Political Bureau and Director of the Office of the Central Committee for Foreign Affairs of China on December 4^th, are the most recent manifestations of the growing strength of this relationship, reaffirming the commitment of both sides to continue to work together for the benefit our peoples.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This is a journey that started 50 years ago from today, with the establishement of diplomatic relations. Since then, Cyprus and China ties have significantly strengthened in many areas, creating the conditions for a very fruitful cooperation in the political, social and economic areas. Today, the two countries enjoy an excellent level of relations in all spheres, enriched by an amplified framework of bilateral agreements and constantly growing people to people contacts. Looking back, we can be proud of what has been achieved.

Dear friends,

I believe it is important to mention that over the past 50 years we have continued to maintain principled positions on core issues of interests in relation to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our countries, both in relation to the Cyprus problem and the One China Policy. In this context, I would like to seize this opportunity, to express the sincere appreciation of the government and the people of Cyprus for China’s long-lasting support in our efforts to achieve a lasting solution of the Cyprus problem, on the agreed basis of a bizonal bicommunal federation, as set out in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles and norms of International Law.

In concluding, I would like to say that the exhibition we are inaugurating today represents a token of our appreciation for five decades of friendship and joint endeavors to establish synergies that foster our mutually beneficial cooperation. We are grateful to everyone who has tirelessly worked over the years to strengthen the friendship between Cyprus and China, and in this vein I would like to acknowledge with satisfaction the presence among us today of some of the past Ambassadors of Cyprus to China.  

Last but not least, I would like to express our most sincere appreciation to the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus, for their invaluable contribution that made this exhibition possible, as well as for the compilation of the anniversary booklet. We very much hope that we will be able within the coming year to present this exhibition in China, hopefully to coincide with my anticipated visit to Beijing.

Thank you.

For the video of the inauguration of the Photographic Exhibition press here.

IK