President Hu Jintao raised a four-point proposal to enhance
relations with Cyprus during talks with Cyprus President Tassos
Papadopoulos on Thursday.
The proposal included improving high-level exchanges between the
governments, parliaments and parties of the two countries;
deepening economic and trade cooperation; expanding tourism,
archeology and other cooperation; and closer coordination in
international organizations.
"We will take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the
establishment of Sino-Cyprus ties to upgrade the relationship," Hu
said.
The Mediterranean island nation forged the diplomatic relations
with China on December 14, 1971.
Hu said Sino-Cyprus relations had developed steadily and
economic and trade cooperation expanded. The two countries had
maintained coordination in international affairs.
Hu expressed appreciation for the support of Cyprus on the
Taiwan issue and on its efforts to improve relations between China
and the EU. He also expressed gratitude for Cyprus' help on the
evacuation of overseas Chinese during the Lebanon-Israel
conflict.
"Developing long-term and stable relations with Cyprus has been
our consistent policy, and this will never change," Hu said.
Papadopoulos reaffirmed that Cyprus would adhere to the
one-China policy and play an active role in improving Sino-EU
relations.
He was thankful for China's stance on the Cyprus issue, vowing
to strengthen the cooperation in the United Nations and other
international organizations.
After talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing
ceremony of agreements on health and culture cooperation.
Prior to talks, a ceremony was held to welcome Papadopoulos who
is paying a five-day state visit to China.
(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)
