How would you describe the current state of Cyprus-China relations, and in what areas do you see the most significant diplomatic advancements in the coming years?
Let me begin by saying that it is a great honour for me to be the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the People’s Republic of China. Cyprus and China have long-standing, time-tested and solid bilateral relations premised on and guided by the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, namely, the respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of all States. Cyprus has consistently upheld the One China Principle. The People’s Republic of China (PRC), as a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, has always maintained a principled stance in relation to the Cyprus problem. Both countries recognise and greatly appreciate the reciprocal support on these core issues.
These principled relations between Cyprus and China have been steadily growing and evolving over the years. Since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1971, there have been regular high-level visits and exchanges, and the signing of a number of agreements in key areas of cooperation. In 2021, Cyprus was declared a strategic partner of China by the President of China. This momentum continues in 2024. The President of the Republic of Cyprus met with the Foreign Minister of the PRC in New York, during the High-Level Segment of the United Nations General Assembly. This was followed by the official visit to China of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and a high-level Parliamentary delegation comprising of the leaders of the three biggest political parties in Cyprus. The Minister of Shipping has also visited China twice this year, as a high-level guest in Guangzhou and in Hong Kong. On both occasions, she had the opportunity to engage with local governments and other key stakeholders in the shipping industry.
These high-level meetings are very important, and they contribute to the further strengthening of the excellent relations between the two countries. As times evolve, and as Cyprus and China evolve with the times, our aim is to explore possible new areas of cooperation, including for example in the shipping and services sectors, which are of great interest to both countries.
Another area of common interest and close cooperation is the promotion of multilateral diplomacy. Cyprus and China are strong advocates of multilateralism. We have been working closely together in the United Nations and other multilateral fora in our efforts to take forward our Global Agenda. China is a leader in addressing global challenges, including in the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and in the Green Transition. Cyprus could certainly benefit from China’s expertise in these areas.
Cyprus recognises the fact that China is a very important global actor. It is a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, the biggest market and the second largest economy in the world. China is a valued friend of Cyprus and Cyprus is a valued friend of China. There are great prospects ahead in all areas of cooperation, political, economic, cultural, academic, scientific, and in fostering people-to-people contacts. On the political level, both countries are committed to further strengthen and expand our cooperation in existing – for example by increasing our trade ‘footprint’ in China – and also in new untapped areas. The respective relevant Ministries are in the process of identifying these opportunities and to bringing them forward.
