Ambassador Liu presents credentials to President Anastasiades

On December 17, 2020, His Excellency Liu Yantao, the new Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus, presented his credentials to President Nicos Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace. The two sides also had a friendly discussion on China-Cyprus relations and cooperation. Also present at the ceremony were Cyprus' Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Government Spokesman Kyriacos Koushos, and Deputy Director Koula Sophianou of the President's Diplomatic Office. Ambassador Liu was accompanied by the Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission and Political Counselor Mr. Wang Sheng.

Ambassador Liu takes photo with President Anastasiades

Ambassador Liu began by conveying cordial greetings and best wishes from President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to President Anastasiades, and said that China and Cyprus have been good friends, brothers and partners of mutual support and mutual benefits. The two countries firmly respect and support each other on issues bearing on the other's core interests, and have jointly safeguarded the international order with multilateralism at its core, promoted common values for whole mankind, and contributed to international anti-pandemic cooperation as well as world peace and progress. In recent years, with the guidance of the Presidents of the two countries, China-Cyprus cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy, transportation, communications, culture and education have made breakthroughs, pushing the bilateral ties to its historic best. China is ready to take the 50th anniversary of its diplomatic ties with Cyprus next year as an opportunity to jointly enhance the friendly cooperation between the two countries in various areas and advance China-Cyprus relations to a new level. China sincerely appreciates Cyprus' adherence to the "One China" policy, and will remain firmly committed to the "One Cyprus" policy, and play a constructive role in facilitating a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Problem on the basis of relevant UN resolutions.

Ambassador Liu inspects the Guard of Honour

President Anastasiades warmly welcomed Ambassador Liu to Cyprus to assume his new post, and conveyed through Ambassador Liu his best regards and wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. He spoke highly of the long lasting friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between Cyprus and China, and recalled with pleasure his many successful visits to China, saying that China is a trusted good friend of Cyprus. President Anastasides expressed his admiration for Chinese people's successful fight against COVID-19 and contribution to global efforts in this regard under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping. He reiterated Cyprus' continuous commitment to the "One China" policy and sincere appreciation for China's consistent valuable support on the Cyprus Problem, and hoped that China as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue to uphold justice for Cyprus. Cyprus attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and is pleased to see Chinese companies getting more involved in Cyprus' economic development. As a country alongside the"Belt and Road" and a member of the European Union, Cyprus will continue to play an active role in building the "Belt and Road", deepening Cyprus-China relations, and maintaining stable and sound growth of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, as China and Cyprus celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year.

Group photo

Ambassador Liu Yantao arrived in Cyprus to assume his duties on October 29, and presented the copy of his credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus on November 6.