During the meeting, Mr Yang reiterated China’s firm position of principles on the Cyprus problem.

He mentioned that China supported Cyprus’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, and that the solution of the Cyprus problem must be a product of negotiations between the two communities and that it must be just and functional and based on UN Security Council resolutions.

Mr Yang also stressed that China supported the new effort to solve the Cyprus problem and appreciated the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and that it would continue, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to play a positive role in its final resolution.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the upward, dynamic course of their bilateral relations during recent years, with the exchanges of visits and contacts at all levels that have multiplied, thus boosting cooperation in international organizations and conferences.

They agreed to work together to further develop bilateral relations, especially in the fields of trade, economy and tourism, where there is still space for cooperation, through the implementation of existing agreements, the increase of Chinese tourism and Chinese investment in Cyprus, expansion of cooperation and finding new fields for economic cooperation.

The two Ministers agreed to intensify their efforts to further develop the EU-China strategic partnership, which is especially beneficial to both sides.

Mr Kyprianou expressed appreciation for China’s consistent position of principles on the Cyprus problem and encouraged China to play a more active role in the UN Security Council, on the Cyprus problem.

During his visit, Kyprianou also had meetings with the Chinese State Councilor, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dai Bingguo, and the Vice-Minister of the Communist Party of China’s international department, Li Jinjun, who had visited Cyprus last March.