The Presidents of Cyprus and China agreed to upgrade the relations between the two countries to a Strategic Partnership, creating the conditions for very fruitful cooperation in the political, social, and economic sectors, following a telephone conversation between President Xi Jinping and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiadis.

The joint statement of the Republic of Cyprus and the People’s Republic of China on the establishment of strategic cooperation, which was issued after the telephone conversation between the two leaders on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, is broadcast by GTP.

In particular, the two sides praised the positive dynamics of the development of China-Cyprus relations and held a thorough exchange of views on regional and international issues of common interest.

The two Presidents acknowledged the fruitful progress that has been made in terms of mutual political trust, tangible cooperation in various fields, and cooperation on multilateral issues between China and Cyprus over the last 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Acknowledging the growing importance of bilateral relations, the two Presidents agreed to upgrade relations to a Strategic Partnership, creating the conditions for very fruitful cooperation in the political, social, and economic sectors.

The two sides, it is stated, “reaffirmed their respect for the choice of each side in the development course as well as for domestic and foreign policies based on their own national circumstances. They reiterated that China and Cyprus will continue to support each other on issues of mutual interest and a major concern to both countries. Cyprus reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the ‘Principle of One China’.”

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The two sides, it is added, “agreed to boost high-level exchanges and maintain frequent exchanges of views on regional and international issues.” Furthermore, they will also use the existing bilateral mechanisms, including diplomatic consultations, the Joint Economic Committee, the Joint Scientific and Technological Committee, so as to coordinate and promote bilateral cooperation in various fields.”

The two sides agreed to continue the “Belt and Road” cooperation under the previously signed Memorandum of Cooperation and to further deepen economic, trade, and investment cooperation as well as to remain committed to promoting a business environment of transparency, justice, equal treatment, and impartiality. 

At the same time, it is noted, “China reaffirmed that it will continue to support Cyprus’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to support a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem in the context of relevant United Nations and international law resolutions.”

“The importance of respecting the territorial sovereignty and maritime rights of all states in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has also been emphasized.”

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China appreciated “Cyprus’ constructive role in regional and European affairs and its positive contribution to promoting the overall China-EU strategic partnership as an EU Member-State and an important country in the Eastern Mediterranean.” Cyprus believes that “the EU and China should promote dialogue and cooperation on the principles of mutual respect, benefit and results.”

The two sides “expressed their readiness to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral forums, to promote cooperation in various important areas of the United Nations agenda, including the alleviation of poverty, the fight against COVID-19, climate change, etc., and to provide additional incentives to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve stronger, greener and healthier global growth.”

Finally, they reiterated their commitment to implementing the true multilateral approach and safeguarding the United Nations-based international system, the international order based on international law, and the fundamental rules of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Source: CNA

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