House President, Annita Demetriou, on Friday received the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of the People’s Republic of China, Xiao Jie, who is paying an official visit to Cyprus.
According to an announcement by parliament, during the meeting both sides noted the continuous strengthening of relations between Cyprus and China since the establishment of diplomatic ties, marked by their upgrade to a Strategic Partnership in 2021.
It was underlined that these relations are based on shared principles and values, as well as the commitment of both countries to the ‘One China-One Cyprus’ principle.
The new momentum brought to bilateral parliamentary relations by the official visit of the House President, heading a cross-party delegation, to China in October 2024 was also highlighted.
It was further stressed that there is a shared determination to deepen exchanges at various levels within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two parliaments in 2018, as well as to expand cooperation in new areas.
The House President expressed sincere thanks for China’s long-standing principled stance – as a permanent member of the UN Security Council – in support of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus, and for a solution to the Cyprus problem in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions. She also stressed the Greek Cypriot side’s commitment to the goal of resuming substantive negotiations.
The NPC Vice Chairman conveyed his country’s appreciation for Cyprus’ contribution to enhancing EU-China cooperation and dialogue.
He reaffirmed China’s steadfast principled position and its support for efforts to achieve a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.
Xiao referred to the new dynamic in the two countries’ cooperation following the upgrade of their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, which spans a wide range of fields, including exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.
He also assured of his country’s readiness to work to maintain this momentum and to deepen cooperation in new areas.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.