Cyprus and China sign memorandums of cooperation

Cyprus and China signed in Nicosia two memorandums of cooperation in the sectors of agriculture and fisheries, and the environment.
The memorandums were signed by the Directors of the respective departments in the interested Ministries, in the presence of Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Photis Photiou, and Chinese Vice President Hui Liangyu.
Hui expressed the steadfast and clear position of the Chinese government on the Cyprus problem, noting that the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus should be fully respected, as should be the 8 July 2006 agreement between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities.
Hui said that as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to make efforts towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
Referring to bilateral relations, he said they are at their best ever, with economic and commercial cooperation developing and political confidence becoming consolidated.
Photiou expressed the gratitude of Cyprus to the support of China towards efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, for a viable and functional settlement that would be to the benefit of all legitimate inhabitants of the country, adding that Cyprus looks forward to the continuation of China‘s catalytic role within the UN.
Photiou noted that the memorandums clearly determined the framework and the priorities of future cooperation between the two countries, and will prove to be a useful instrument.
Referring to the talks that preceded the signing of the memorandums, Photiou said they focused on ways to encourage the trading of agricultural produce, with emphasis on traditional products, such as wine, citrus fruit and halloumi cheese, adding that Cyprus was ready to sign a protocol with China on health related matters, that would contribute to the opening of the huge Chinese market.