China’s new ambassador lands in Cyprus

China’s new ambassador to Cyprus, Yantao Liu, landed on the island Thursday and quickly got to work in Nicosia, saying ties between the two countries were at a “historic best."

Ambassador Liu landed at Larnaca International Airport on Thursday, where he was greeted by Beijing’s diplomatic mission on the island, with the newly appointed official assuming duties in Nicosia on the same day.

A press release issued by the Embassy of China said Ambassador Liu noted that "under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Nicos Anastasiades, the friendly and cooperative relations between China and Cyprus have continued to deepen and solidify in recent years, and are now at its historic best.”

Ambassador Liu replaces his predecessor, Xingyuan Huang, who left Cyprus in late July, after paying a courtesy call on Anastasiades to bid farewell.

The new ambassador’s appointment also comes at a time where diplomatic chatter has multiplied, with many countries and foreign dignitaries paying attention to a range of issues regarding Cyprus, ranging from pandemic to regional politics and technology to trade. Diplomatic tensions between China and the United States have also been felt on the island, including a tough trade war between the two superpowers.

“China and Cyprus are good friends and partners on an equal footing with mutual respect, trust, and benefits,” Liu said according to the embassy statement.

The ambassador also spoke of “bright and broad prospects” heralded by ongoing China-Cyprus bilateral ties and practical cooperation between the two countries.

“I am deeply honored to undertake this prestigious mission as Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus. I look forward to working with friends from all ranks and files of Cyprus to do my best to enhance the strategic mutual trust between our two countries and the profound friendship between our two peoples,” Liu said.