Source:Chinese Embassy in Cyprus
Question: National People’s Congress of China has recently adopted the decision on national security legislation for Hong Kong, which serves to maintain Hong Kong’s long-term stability and prosperity and to promote “one country, two systems” practice. Cypriot Foreign Minister also said at the EU video conference that Hong Kong affairs are internal affairs of China and shall not be interfered by foreign countries. EU needs to focus on promoting the strategic partenship with China. What are your comments on Hong Kong national security legislation?
Answer: Cyprus has been following developments regarding the situation in Hong Kong and is aware of China’s concerns. Cyprus supports the principle of “one China – one Cyprus”, which underpins the framework of our relations, our understanding of respective national issues and our shared views on many international and regional issues. Both countries maintain a position of principles regarding the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, avoiding interference in the domestic affairs of other States. Cyprus reiterates its gratitude for China’s consistent stance in relation to Cyprus’ struggle to achieve a just and viable solution to the protracted problem, in accordance with international law. China’s support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus is in line with pertinent UN Resolutions.
Question: You sent letters of condolence to Chinese leaders upon COVID-19 outbreak in China and promised that Chinese citizens would not be descrimated in Cyprus. You also paid a successful visit to China last year and both sides have been implementing relevant consensus and outcomes. In your opinion, how has the pandemic boosted China-Cyprus relations? What are the priorities for post-pandemic cooperation between the two countries?
Answer: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus Covid-19 has generated unprecedented common challenges, not only for Cyprus and China, but for the rest of the globe. During the last few months, our two countries have proved, once again, that solidarity, support and cooperation among friendly nations is crucial, in order to successfully address such major issues of common concern. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to President Xi for his letter of support for Cyprus’ hard efforts against Covid-19 and for the invaluable advice as well as for essential medical supplies, that China has donated to Cyprus.
Cyprus shares China’s vision of building a community with a shared future and commends President Xi’s proposals at the 73rd World Health Assembly, which pertain to an enhanced global governance in the area of public health, based on solidarity and cooperation. China’s leading stance in the fight against COVID-19 and the country’s outreach to affected countries most in need, have been outstanding. Safeguarding and restoring global public health calls for coordinated and collective efforts on the international and regional levels. Cyprus stands ready to engage in practical cooperation to this end.
Cyprus, for its part, has taken strict and timely measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, which have enabled the country to move on to the next step, that is to get back to normality and to achieve recovery in key sectors of the economy. As the pandemic is being largely contained, the House of Representatives remains committed to further promoting the excellent relations between our two countries and stands ready to resume our fruitful collaboration, on all levels. My most productive and memorable visit to China, in November 2019, offered us the opportunity to explore new ways to reinforce the practical cooperation between our two countries, particularly in the fields of tourism, trade, education, technology, innovation and culture. In this respect, it is essential to build on the Memorandum of Understanding between our two Parliaments. We can now resume our efforts, which have been delayed due to the crisis of Covid-19, in order to turn this opportunity into concrete actions with tangible results.
