Nicosia, June 5th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Stefanos Stefanou, General Secretary of the Progressive Party of Working People of Cyprus.   

Liu noted, China and Cyprus enjoy a profound friendship. China appreciates Cyprus's firm adherence to the one-China principle, firmly supports Cyprus' efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem under the framework of relevant UN resolutions. China is willing to, together with Cyprus, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The world today is undergoing both transformation and upheaval. Unilateralism, isolationism, protectionism, and bullying are on the rise, posing a severe challenge to the international order. China opposes decoupling and severing supply chains in the name of de-risking, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Cyprus to jointly maintain a fair and open international economic and trade order, and defend international fairness and justice.  

Liu expressed that the CPC and the Progressive Party of Working People are good comrades and good partners with similar ideals and beliefs. Next year, the Progressive Party of Working People will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and the CPC will celebrate its 105th birthday. The CPC is willing to work hand in hand with the Progressive Party of Working People to strengthen exchanges and political dialogue at all levels, expand youth exchanges, deepen mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, and push practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU). Cyprus is an important partner of China in the EU. It is hoped that the Progressive Party of Working People will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.  

Stefanou welcomed the CPC delegation, which was visiting the headquarters of the Progressive Party of Working People and said that the CPC is a reliable friend and close comrade. He said, the Progressive Party of Working People thanks China for the long-term valuable support to Cyprus and is willing to further expand exchanges with the CPC and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as economy and trade between the two countries. Hailing the CPC's achievements in leading the Chinese people to successfully build socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said, we are willing to learn from China's experience. The Progressive Party of Working People firmly adheres to the one-China principle and appreciates China's just position on the Cyprus problem. The EU should not regard China as an opponent. The two sides should strengthen cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The Progressive Party of Working People is willing to play its role in the European Parliament, especially in the European United Left-Nordic Green Left, to promote the development of EU-China relations.  

Stefanou said, in the turbulent international situation, tariff wars and trade wars are further exacerbating global instability and uncertainty. The Progressive Party of Working People adheres to multilateralism and opposes some countries imposing their own values on others. The Progressive Party of Working People believes that all countries should treat each other equally and all countries should abide by the UN Charter and international law. Cyprus appreciates China's important role in international affairs and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to jointly maintain world peace and stability. 

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

Liu Yantao, Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus, and Members of the Political Bureau of the Progressive Party of Working People including Loukaides Giorgos, Ioannou Nikos and Charalambous Sotiroula, attended the meeting.