Cyprus

China and Cyprus should continue to support each other regarding their core interests and major concerns, expand bilateral cooperation and tap the potential of people-to-people exchanges, Xi said when meeting with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.

The two countries both have a long history and time-honored civilization and have set up an example of equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation between big and small countries for the international community, Xi said.

Cyprus is an important participant in the joint building of the Belt and Road, Xi said, adding that China hopes to deepen cooperation with Cyprus in areas including ports, shipping and infrastructure construction, and to discuss third-party cooperation in the Mediterranean region.

Xi said he hopes Cyprus will continue to play a positive role in promoting China-Europe ties.

Anastasiades said Cyprus will stick to the one-China policy and actively take part in the construction of the Belt and Road.

Cyprus will continue to be an important partner for China in the European Union, he said.

He added that he hopes China will support the United Nations peacekeeping troops in continuing to carry out their missions in Cyprus.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents.