Chinese official says Christofias’ visit to strengthen relations

Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Congress Gong Xue Ping said Cypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias is the best friend of the Chinese people and that his official visit to China will help strengthen relations between the two countries.

Welcoming Christofias and his delegation, Gong referred to the warm welcome he received in Nicosia in 2004, during his visit to Cyprus, noting that he felt the warm feelings of the Cypriots towards the Chinese.

Christofias referred to the excellent relations between the two peoples and pointed out that the Cyprus problem is the result of expansionism and imperialism.

”The solidarity and support of the permanent members of the Security Council is of great importance to us and we are grateful that the People’s Republic of China is so consistent in its support,” he said.

Christofias expressed hope that ”the people and leadership of China would achieve the construction of socialism in Chinese colours,” adding that if was of great importance to be successful because ”you will contribute to the relations of peace-loving countries at a time of reign of the US and its allies around the world.”

Gong referred to the events and preparations to be made by 2020 when Shanghai will become an international trade and transport centre, adding that the central government of China is helping in this direction.

He said a port is being built in Shanghai, which will be the largest in the world, and that Shanghai is working at full speed to organise the World International Trade Exhibition, in which 100 countries are to participate and which is expected to be visited by some 70 million people.

Christofias conveyed to Gong the wish of Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou for him to visit Cyprus.

He also said that he returned to Shanghai after 15 years and found a very different city, noting that ”Shanghai is better than New York.”

Following the meeting, Gong hosted a dinner in honour of Christofias and his delegation.

Earlier on, Christofias visited the Maglev railway station, which is operating on a magnetic field and is considered to be the fastest in the world. The Cypriot official boarded a train and took a 7-minute trip at 430 km/h.

He visited the urban planning exhibition centre, where one could view the scale models for the development and housing of the whole city. He also visited Shanghai‘s Yu Garden.

Christofias returns home Wednesday.