Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji reaffirmed, at a meeting with President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, in Beijing, his country’s firm position for the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Moreover, he assured the President of the House that China will continue to play a constructive role within the United Nations Security Council and support efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN Resolutions.
According to a press release by the Cypriot Parliament, Demetriou wrapped up today her contacts in the framework of her official visit to China, at the invitation of Zhao Leji. She was accompanied by a political party delegation.
During the meeting, the two counterparts underlined that the long-standing friendly relations between China and Cyprus are based on common principles and values and their commitment to the “One China-One Cyprus” principle.
It was also noted that as a
result of the upgrading of relations between the two countries to a strategic partnership in 2021, new prospects for cooperation in areas of mutual interest were created, for the benefit of the two countries and peoples, the press release says.
Demetriou expressed her sincere gratitude for the timeless solidarity and constant support of China, as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, regarding the Cyprus problem.
She stressed that the unacceptable claims of the Turkish side for a two-state solution will not be accepted under any circumstances, as this would be like legitimizing the faits accomplis of the Turkish invasion and occupation.
The House President also expressed the readiness of Cyprus, as a member state of the European Union to contribute in every possible way to facilitate and further strengthen China’s dialogue with the EU.
The Chinese official reaffirmed China’s firm position for the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and assure
d the Speaker of the House that China will continue to play a constructive role within the United Nations Security Council and to support the efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem, based on the UN Resolutions.
He also expressed China’s sincere appreciation for Cyprus’ valuable support and contribution to the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Lebanon.
Referring to China’s recent decision to abolish entry visas for Cypriot citizens, as well as the updated interstate agreement in the field of air transport, Zhao expressed China’s will to strengthen its relations with Cyprus, especially in the fields of trade , agriculture, as well as education and culture.
Zhao described Cyprus as a golden key to the Mediterranean, saying that it is also a place where Greek culture is enriched by the cultures of Europe and Asia, and he stressed the importance of promoting contacts between the two friendly peoples of China and Cyprus.
Meanwhile, in a post on social media, Demetriou said that her Chi
nese counterpart assured that as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, China will make every effort to strengthen the positions of Cyprus for a just and sustainable solution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of legality and with absolute respect for International Law, but also to contribute to the development and promotion of cooperation at multiple levels, such as trade, economy and education.
According to the press release of the Parliament, earlier on, the President of the Parliament and the delegation visited the Beijing Foreign Studies University, where they were welcomed by Rector of the University, Jia Wenjian.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results.
Source: Cyprus News Agency