China always a trustworthy and reliable friend: Cypriot Acting President

Cypriot Acting President Demetris Syllouris(L) delivers a speech during a gathering celebrating the 67th anniversary of the National Day of China in Nicosia, Cyprus on Sept. 22, 2016. China has always been a trustworthy and reliable friend, on whose assistance Cyprus can always count, Cypriot Acting President Demetris Syllouris said on Thursday, addressing a gathering celebrating the 67th anniversary of the National Day of China. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhang)

NICOSIA, Sept. 22 -- China has always been a trustworthy and reliable friend, on whose assistance Cyprus can always count, Cypriot Acting President Demetris Syllouris said on Thursday, addressing a gathering celebrating the 67th anniversary of the National Day of China.

Syllouris, the Speaker of Parliament who is deputizing for President Nicos Anastasiades, now attending the United NationsGeneral Assembly, said China and Cyprus share many common elements, like the struggle for national independence, freedom and dignity.

"Cyprus has often relied on China's support to defend its inalienable rights, when their value and very existence was questioned," Syllouris stressed.

"During times of dire need, China was there to offer more than just mere words of encouragement," Syllouris said.

He also mentioned China's increasing role in global affairs and its position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

"Its constructive role in world affairs acquires more weight and substance, given that we live in turbulent times," he added.

Syllouris said that Cyprus looks forward to further forging and strengthening the two countries' friendship and cooperation, especially in areas like investments and tourism.

China's Ambassador Huang Xingyuan said that, China and Cyprus share the same policy on issues concerning core interests of the two countries.

"'One China, One Cyprus' is our common policy. We understand and support each other on issues concerning our core interests," the ambassador said.

He added that China appreciates the valuable support from Cyprus on the Taiwan issue, Tibet-related issues and Xinjiang-related issues, while China, reciprocating, actively supports an early reunification of Cyprus.

The anniversary celebration was attended by many Cypriot government officials and citizens, as well as Chinese living in Cyprus.

"Yet China and Cyprus have more in common than that," the ambassador said, mentioning the similarity of lyrics in the national anthems of the two countries, a long history, a splendid culture and peace-loving peoples.

Both China and Cyprus experienced colonial aggression and liberation movements and are also expecting the reunification of their countries, he added.

"Currently, China-Cyprus relations maintain a good momentum of development with frequent high-level exchanges, reinforced mutual political trust, expanding pragmatic exchanges, cooperation in various fields and mutual understanding and support in international affairs," Ambassador Huang said.

He also mentioned President Anastasiades's visit to China last year to attend a conference on the Silk Road and his successful meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"This visit has opened a new chapter in bilateral ties between China and Cyprus," he said, expressing hope that direct flights between the two countries will start soon.