Chinese National Day Message by Charge d’Affaires, a.i. Wang Sheng on Cyprus Mail and Phileleftheros

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Source: China Embassy

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On October 1, 2020, Cyprus’ largest English and Greek newspapers- Cyprus Mail and Phileleftheros published the Chinese National Day message by Mr. Wang Sheng, Charge d’Affaires, a.i. of the Embassy of China in Cyprus. The full text is as follows:

October 1 is the same birthday shared by China and Cyprus. 71 years ago, the People’s Republic of China was founded. 60 years ago, the Republic of Cyprus won independence. On this occasion of great significance, we wish to share our joy, deliver our blessings, witness history, and look forward to the future together.

Great victories come from great struggle and sacrifice. We express our deep condolences to those we lost to the pandemic. We pay our highest tribute to the medical professionals in China, Cyprus and the rest of the world, who have been fearlessly fighting COVID-19 at the frontlines and saving lives.

We sincerely thank Cyprus and all other countries for lending China a helping hand during the initial outbreak of the pandemic in Wuhan. We also take pride in the achievements that China, the most populous country in the world, has kept the first line of defense for the rest of the world, accumulated valuable experiences and lessons, and actively assisted other countries afterwards while overcoming our own difficulties.

Facing the ordeal of the pandemic, both Chinese and Cypriot governments have displayed a firm determination and unyielding courage, put people’s lives first and by racing against time, fought the virus, and demonstrated solidarity and mutual assistance between our two countries.

From organizing Cypriot chartered flights to transport medical supplies from China, to holding the video conference on sharing anti-COVID-19 experiences, to coordinating China’s first ever direct flight to Cyprus to repatriate stranded Chinese citizens, the two countries have worked closely, not only delivering satisfactory results in protecting the health and safety of our own people, but also setting a good example for building a health community of a shared future for mankind.

We are pleased to see that despite the negative influence of COVID-19, our two countries have continued to take steps forward.

China has taken multiple measures to promote economic recovery, adopted a new development pattern called “dual circulation” in which the domestic circulation plays a leading role while the domestic and international circulations remain mutually complementary. China has become the first major economy returning to positive growth during the pandemic and injected confidence to a sluggish world economy. We are confident that China will finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020, eliminate poverty for our rural population, and achieve poverty reduction goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

Similarly, Cyprus has launched a stimulus package to revive the pillar industries and the economy in general, and launched a large-scale LNG terminal project of major strategic importance, demonstrating its strong financial resilience.

In addition, the ever-deepening cooperation between China and Cyprus in communication, public transport, culture, and education among other fields, is a strong evidence of a more mature and sound relationship between our two countries.

In the post-pandemic era of dealing with uncertainties, it is a task for both China and Cyprus to accelerate the full restoration of the economy and social life and coordinate foreign policies, while maintaining pandemic prevention and control.

In this regard, President Xi Jinping has shared his profound thoughts on many occasions: we must firmly uphold solidarity and cooperation, unswervingly expand opening up policy, and constantly advance a community with a shared future for mankind.

The more difficult the global anti-pandemic situation is, the more firmly we should maintain the course of mutual support, solidarity and cooperation, jointly pursue international prevention and control, support the role of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and other international bodies, and increase coordination of macroeconomic policies among different countries. When economic globalization encounters the head winds of unilateralism and protectionism, we should stand on the right side of history and steadfastly promote world development in the spirit of openness, cooperation, and win-win results. When confronted with various conventional and non-conventional security threats, the international community should uphold the global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, so as to tackle the risks and challenges.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. As the world is at new historical crossroads and by doing our part, China will shoulder its international responsibilities. We will serve as a defender and promoter of world peace and development, empower multilateralism, and say no to hegemonies. We will firmly oppose the mentality of a “new cold war” and the idea of “global economic decoupling”. We will neither dance to the beats of others nor connive in any malconduct.

On the issue of safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, China and Cyprus share another common ground in a very profound way. China and Cyprus have both struggled to achieve their respective freedom and independence.

China has grown from an impoverished country to the second largest economy in the world. Cyprus has evolved from a country trampled by colonial aggression to today’s strategic investment gateway and a globally renowned business hub connecting Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. All these achievements would not be possible without generations of hard work, tenacious resistance and sacrifice.

We should firmly defend our hard-won independence and sovereignty. A truly sovereign and independent country will never allow anyone, any organization or force, at any time or in any form, to separate any single piece of territory from our motherland. Neither will we allow external forces to interfere in our internal affairs.

As a good friend and partner of Cyprus, China deeply feel for Cyprus’ pain of the long-term division of the island and opposes any unilateral provocation which sabotages the regional peace. China firmly pursues the “One Cyprus” principle and will continue to support Cyprus’ efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and contribute to a just, reasonable and lasting settlement of the Cyprus Problem based on relevant UN resolutions.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Cyprus. We will work with our Cypriot friends to hold a series of commemorative events, to further enrich our traditional friendship and elevate our bilateral ties to a new high. With the support and efforts of all of you, I am convinced that China-Cyprus relations will embrace an even brighter future.

I wish China and Cyprus a happy birthday! May China-Cyprus friendship last forever!

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