Cyprus and China reaffirmed their bonds through a joint statement on Tuesday following a telephone conversation between President Nicos Anastasiades and President Xi Jinping to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, agreeing to step up relations to a strategic partnership that will allow for closer cooperation in the political, social and economic areas.
According to the joint statement, Cyprus “reaffirmed its steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle,” while China reiterated its support for a “comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem in accordance with international law”.
In addition, both sides agreed to continue their support for the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative under the framework of the previously signed memorandum of understanding, by deepening their economic, trade and investment cooperation and remaining “committed to fostering a business environment featuring openness, justice, fairness and non-discrimination”.
At the same time, the two leaders discussed positive progress in cooperation in the fields of culture, education, tourism, sports and health, also mentioning strong solidarity in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statement also said that both sides welcomed the signing of cooperation documents between the sister cities of the two countries, including Fuzhou and Nicosia, Guangzhou, Weinan and Limassol, Xi’an and Paphos, Ningbo and Larnaca, in order to deepen exchange and cooperation between the local governments.
“Both sides reiterated their commitment to practicing true multilateralism and safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core,” the statement said, adding they agreed to “strengthen cooperation in the United Nations and other international organisations to safeguard international fairness and justice.
“Both sides will advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom which are the common values of humanity featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, win-win cooperation, and build a community with shared future for mankind”.
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