On 19 January, H.E. President Nicos Anastasiades extends to H.E. President Xi Jinping and all Chinese people the most sincere and warmest wishes for a happy, prosperous and healthy Chinese New Year. The full text is as follows:

Your ExcellencyPresident Xi Jinping,

It is with distinct pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I join your celebrations today on the joyous occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit, a symbol of good fortune, great ambition, bright future, wealth and prosperity.

In this respect, I wish to wholeheartedly extend to Your Excellency and the friendly people of China, our most sincere and warmest wishes for a happy, prosperous and healthy New Year.

Among the most ancient civilizations of the world, Cyprus and China share a strong and deep-rooted friendship that is time-tested and which is founded on a common adherence to international law and world peace.

During my ten-year tenure as President of the Republic of Cyprus, I am particularly pleased to attest that - despite the geographical distance and notable difference in size between our two countries - we have managed to embark into a new era of partnership with substantial geopolitical meaning.

Furthermore, in the framework of the European Union, my country always emphasizes the need for engagement and cooperation with China in addressing global and regional challenges. Cyprus will also continue to advocate working with Beijing in many different areas, such as trade and investment, sustainable development, food security, climate change and environmental protection, education, and so on.

Your Excellency,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Cyprus and China adhere to the values and principles of the United Nations and international law, both aspiring to safeguarding peace, security and stability in our respective regions and the world at large.

Within this context, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to extend our deepest appreciation for your country’s unwavering support and principled stance with regard to the Cyprus issue, taking also into account China’s important role as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, in reaching a lasting and viable solution.

In the same vein, I also wish to reiterate that Cyprus remains firmly committed to the One China Policy and a staunch supporter of the integrity, unity and sovereignty of China.

Once again, I wishYour Excellency and the friendly people of China Happy New Year!

Thank you.