Nicosia, June 5th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Nicholas Papadopoulos, President of the Democratic Party of Cyprus.  

Liu said that currently, China-Cyprus relations enjoy high level development, with increasingly close exchanges and cooperation in various fields. China is willing to work with Cyprus to continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests, strengthen cooperation in areas such as the Belt and Road cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote greater development of China-Cyprus strategic partnership. There is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and Europe, therefore both sides should be partners helping each other succeed. It is hoped that Cyprus will continue to play an active role in the Europe Union (EU) and promote the development of China-EU relations. 

Liu said, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. Tariff wars and trade wars are steadily gaining momentum. Unilateralism, isolationism and protectionism pose a severe challenge to the international order. China is willing to work with all countries, including Cyprus, to practice true multilateralism and inject more stability and positive energy into the world. The CPC is willing to actively conduct political dialogue with the Democratic Party to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. 

Papadopoulos said, at the end of last year, I accompanied the President of the House of Representatives to visit China and had meaningful exchanges with the Chinese side. At present, Cyprus-China relations are developing very well, and cooperation in various fields have yielded fruits. Chinese automobiles and other products have reached the market of Cyprus. Cyprus and China should further tap the potential for cooperation and promote greater development of bilateral relations. Cyprus is willing to play its role in the EU and promote the development of EU-China relations. Tariff wars and trade wars have brought uncertainties to the international community. In this context, stability is of vital importance, as it can bring confidence, and confidence will bring trust. All parties should work together to enhance mutual trust and jointly respond to challenges. The Democratic Party firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with the CPC. 

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. 

Liu Yantao, Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus, Christiana Erotokritou, Deputy Chairwoman of Democratic Party, Chrysanthos Savvides, Deputy Chair of Democratic Party, and others, were present.