New Chinese Ambassador hails deepening relations with Cyprus

China opposes any unilateral provocations and actions that undermine the peace and stability of Cyprus and the region and as a permanent  member of the UN Security Council, it will continue to play a constructive and coordinating role in facilitating the settlement of the Cyprus problem, UNFICYP’s mandate renewal, and the implementation of relevant UN resolutions, to uphold fairness and justice for Cypriots, China's new Ambassador to Cyprus, Liu Yantao said, presenting on Thursday his credentials to Cyrpus President, Nicos Anastasiades.

On his part, Anastasiades urged the Chinese government to exert every effort so as for Turkey to alter its intransigent stance, reverse its unilateral and provocative actions and work for the easing of tensions in a consistent and sustained manner so as to establish a climate that is conducive to facilitating the resumption of the process. Only then we will have realistic prospects for success, he noted.

Moreover he underlined that any ideas that deviate from the established UN parameters, are neither viable nor sustainable, adding that "our vision and top priority remains none other than to reunify our island on the agreed basis of a bizonal and bicommunal federation as provided by UN Security Council resolutions, in order to establish a truly independent and sovereign state, free from foreign dependencies, guarantees, the right of military intervention or the presence of foreign troops."

Ambassador Liu said that in recent years, China-Cyprus relations have made significant headways, with deepening political mutual trust and fruitful cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, infrastructure, energy, communications, culture, education and tourism, as well as close coordination and collaboration in international affairs.

He noted that "China closely follows the developments of the political process of Cyprus. We share the same position with Cyprus in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China unswervingly supports a comprehensive, fair and lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem in accordance with relevant UN Resolutions, and all efforts made by Cyprus in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity for the peaceful reunification of the country," Liu added.

Anastasiades said on his part that laying in "the geostrategic location of the crossroads of three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia - and as an EU member state, Cyprus can provide an important advantage as regards the successful implementation of  the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) across all areas of its wide-ranging connectivity, particularly in the energy field."

Furthermore he noted that he is particularly pleased to observe the participation of Chinese companies in the project of building the terminal for import of Liquefied Natural Gas in Cyprus.

"At the same time, let me reiterate our continuous commitment to the One-China Policy, assuring you that we will remain a staunch supporter of the integrity, unity and sovereignty of China. Furthermore, Cyprus, as a member of the European Union, will continue to support the enhancement of the relations between the EU and China on the political, economic and cultural level in a mutually beneficial manner. It is our belief that through active engagement of both EU and China, on issues of mutual concern, a fruitful cooperation can be achieved, towards our common efforts to address global challenges," the President said.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, he noted that "we hold the strong opinion that it would be essential to hold this informal Conference, for all sides, in the presence of the UN Secretary General, to finally clarify their views and objectives as regards
the basis for the resumption of the process, the climate which should underpin the resumption of the process, and the envisioned form of the settlement."

He elaborated on the illegal activities of Turkey in Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone and in the fenced off city of Varosha, stressing that  "fully-fledged negotiations should be conducted on an equal-footing and nor under conditions of intimidation and threats, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions."

"In this respect, it would be impossible by anyone to expect that these conditions are fulfilled if any of the sides advocate solutions outside the UN established parameters or if Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side proceed with their plans for the full opening of the fenced area of Varosha, either under Turkish military control or Turkish Cypriot administration, or continue with the violation of our sovereign rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone," he stressed.

Anastasiades expressed Cyprus` deep appreciation for China’s steadfast support and principled position with regard to the Cyprus issue, taking also into account your country’s significant role in our efforts to reach a viable and lasting settlement as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

"We are also grateful for China’s support in relation to Turkey’s continued illegal drilling operations in the maritime zones of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as its escalating provocations on the ground, in particular the opening of the fenced area of Varosha," he added.

Moreover, he congratulated the Government and the people of China for their successful efforts in combating COVID-19, being one of the very few countries that have managed to put the pandemic under control and Cyprus` gratitude for China`s invaluable assistance during the pandemic with the provision of masks and other medical equipment.

He assured of Cyprus` strong commitment to further enhance the existing cooperation between Cyprus and China, "creating new opportunities, for the mutual benefit of our countries and our people."