Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides on Monday discussed the Cyprus issue and bilateral ties with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, during a short meeting at the Larnaca airport.

The two ministers met at the airport where the Chinese top diplomat made a stop on his way to Africa.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Christodoulides said that he had the opportunity to discuss with his Chinese counterpart bilateral relations, pointing out that this year marks 50 years of bilateral relations between the two countries. He said that the Chinese minister extended an invitation to him to visit China.

They also discussed the Cyprus problem as China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council which was important “especially in the current situation, with Turkey’s provocations either in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone or in the fenced area of Famagusta and at a time when the efforts of the UN secretary-general is underway”.

“The role of the Security Council is crucial for the resumption of talks (on the Cyprus issue),” Christodoulides said.

In this context, Christodoulides said, “there was an exchange of views, in particular in view of the discussion that will take place in the Security Council for the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force, but also the necessary messages that must be sent among other things, in relation to the goal pursued, which cannot go beyond the agreed solution framework of the bizonal, bicommunal federation.”

He also said they discussed the EU’s relations with China.