Interview: Cyprus gov't committed to further developing relations with China

NICOSIA, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Cyprus government is committed to further developing the existing excellent relations with China, Cyprus foreign minister said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Cyprus and China have maintained good and fast-developing relations on many areas including politics, economy, trade, health and culture, Erato Kozakou Marcoullis said ahead of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"We recommit ourselves to do everything possible to further strengthen our already excellent relations between the Republic of Cyprus and the People's Republic of China," the minister said.

She said since the two countries established diplomatic relations on Dec. 14, 1971, they had seen a lot of exchange of visits on top and lower levels.

"It is worth mentioning that all six presidents of Cyprus have visited China during their term of office. The present President Demetris Christofias visited China twice in 2008," she said.

The minister also cited numerous agreements signed between the two countries, which covered the fields of health, culture, maritime, trade, tourism, education, transport, press and information as well as scientific, economic and technical cooperation. "It is further tangible proof of our excellent relations," she said.

Trade relations between Cyprus and China made great headway in the past 40 years, with bilateral trade volume reaching almost 360 million euros (481.2 million dollars) in 2010, up by 11 percent over 2009, Marcoullis said.