By Lanting Liu

The China-Cyprus Friendship Promotion Association (CCFPA) successfully hosted the Chinese New Year Gala Dinner and First China-Cyprus Sister Cities Alliance, on February 8, 2025, at Limassol’s Four Seasons Hotel ballroom. The event marked a significant step in deepening the diplomatic and economic relations between China and Cyprus, fostering cultural and technological cooperation, and promoting closer business ties between sister cities of the two nations.

Milestone for China-Cyprus ties

The conference, organised by the CCFPA in collaboration with Elias Neocleous & Co LLC, brought together key political and business leaders. Among the distinguished guests were President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Annita Demetriou, Ambassador of China to Cyprus Liu Yantao, Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras and Nicosia Deputy Mayor Chrysanthos Fakas, as well as representatives from both governments and major corporations.

The event welcomed 36 companies from China and Cyprus, and over 120 esteemed guests from political and business sectors. Supporting organisations included the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cyprus, the China-Cyprus Sister Cities Alliance, and the Cyprus-China Cultural & Communication Association (CCCA), with media coverage from the Cyprus Mail, HomeInCyprus, and Elemesos.

Event highlights

The gala featured a series of unique cultural and technological experiences, reflecting the deepening collaboration between the two nations. The evening’s highlights included:

1-Grand Welcome Reception: Attendees were greeted by hosts dressed in traditional Chinese imperial attire, providing an immersive cultural experience and an opportunity for commemorative photography.

2-Space Exploration Experience: A space-themed exhibition showcased astronaut displays and advancements in aerospace technology.

3-Astronomical Observation: Guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to observe celestial wonders using high-powered telescopes stationed outside the hotel.

4-Lucky Draw Prizes:

  • Juneair Airlines sponsored two business class upgrade tickets from Athens to Shanghai, each valued at €1,000
  • The Cyprus Planetarium provided three family ticket packages
  • Traditional Chinese cultural souvenirs were distributed to lucky winners
  • Chinese Ambassador Liu Yantao contributed a handwritten calligraphy blessing
  • Alibaba Cloud awarded three cloud service vouchers worth $1,000 each

5-Special Dinner: The Four Seasons Hotel prepared a distinguished four-course meal featuring traditional Chinese New Year delicacies, including dumplings and tangyuan, allowing guests to savour the flavours of Chinese culinary heritage.

Strengthening business and cultural exchange

The conference underscored the commitment to enhancing business connectivity and fostering new collaborative opportunities between China and Cyprus. Notably, Alibaba Cloud, the event’s main sponsor, demonstrated the growing role of technology-driven enterprises in facilitating international cooperation.

The China-Cyprus Sister Cities Alliance, encompassing major cities such as Nanjing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Yichang, Qingdao, Ningbo, Weinan, and Fuzhou in China, and Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus, played a pivotal role in promoting municipal and economic exchanges.

Looking ahead

The successful execution of the event reinforced the strong diplomatic and business relations between China and Cyprus, setting the stage for future collaborations in trade, culture and technology. The China-Cyprus Friendship Promotion Association reaffirmed its commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen ties, foster economic prosperity and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.

This event serves as a landmark occasion, reflecting the ever-growing partnership and shared vision for a prosperous future between China and Cyprus.