Cypriot President arrives in China

By Kostas Stavrinos

Shanghai, Dec 4 (CNA) – Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has arrived in China on a four – day official visit.

President Papadopoulos arrived Monday in Shanghai, where he was welcomed by the Ambassador of China to Cyprus Υali Zhao and Deputy Mayor Feng Guoqin.

In statements before departure, the President of the Republic said that relations between Cyprus and China have traditionally been excellent and he expressed certainty that his visit “will help strengthen even further these ties”.

Asked how China could boost Cyprus’ positions in the Security Council, the President noted that all permanent members of the UN SC “play a decisive role in guiding the UN in their activities, regarding the approval of resolutions and the renewal of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus – UNFICYP mandate”.

Since the beginning of the year, he added, “the government has set as a main target of its policy the active involvement of all permanent members in reviewing the Cyprus problem so as procedures will not be exclusively left in the hands of the US and the UK”.

Papadopoulos said that this policy was welcomed by certain members of the Security Council including China, adding that the trip will further help in better explaining Cyprus‘ positions to the officials of such an important country such as China.

“We are aware of the political importance of China, being one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as of the tremendous progress that it has achieved in the economic sector”, the President stressed.

The President is accompanied by the Ministers of Finance, Michael Sarris, Trade, Industry and Tourism Antonis Michaelides, Cypriot President to China Petros Kestoras, government officials and by a delegation of Cypriot businesspeople.

The official welcoming ceremony will take place Thursday by the Chinese President in Beijing.

During his visit, President Papadopoulos will hold talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and President of the National People’s Congress Wu Bangguo.

Cyprus and China are expected to sign agreements in the fields of on culture and health.