Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos held talks with visiting
Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu in Nicosia on Wednesday, with both
sides agreeing to further enhance the already robust relationship
to a new level.
Papadopoulos spoke highly of the ties between Cyprus and China,
who are "good friends and good partners" with mutual
understanding.
Based on traditional friendship, he pointed out, the two sides
in the past years have reinforced cooperation in the fields of
trade, investment, tourism and culture.
The president reiterated that Cyprus firmly sticks to the
one-China policy. He added that Cyprus denounces all kinds of
secessionist activities of the Taiwan authorities.
Being a European Union member, Papadopoulos assured that Cyprus
will do its best to promote the Sino-EU relationship, just as it
did in the past.
Hui, on his part, said that bilateral ties have witnessed fast
development on economic and trade cooperation, while the mutual
understanding and trust on political front have been
reinforced.
He added that China wants to make efforts with Cyprus in
widening the channels of bilateral cooperation and promoting
investments in each other's country.
Referring to Sino-EU relationship, to which China has attached
great importance, the vice premier voiced his belief that Cyprus
will continue to play an active role in promoting the strategic
partnership between China and EU countries.
Later on Wednesday, Hui held talks with Cypriot Minister of
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Fotis Fotiou.
Two memoranda of understanding were signed to set goals of
future cooperation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and
environmental protection.
Meeting the press, Hui described his talks with President
Papadopoulos and the agriculture minister as "friendly, frank and
fruitful."
On Cyprus problem, he told reporters that China, a permanent
member of the U.N. Security Council, will continue to make efforts
towards a just and comprehensive settlement of the decades-long
issue.
The vice premier arrived in Cyprus after a three-day official
visit to Algeria. Cyprus is his second leg of his tour, which will
also take him to Spain.
(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2007)
