It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Cyprus as I receive the Letters of Credence by which His Excellency the President of the People’s Republic of China accredits you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Cyprus.

Please accept my warm congratulations on your appointment, together with my very best wishes for every success in the fulfilment of your important mission. I also wish to assure you that my Government will extend its full cooperation and support throughout your tenure in Cyprus.

The friendship between Cyprus and China has deep roots, grounded in the principles that our two countries share, foremost among them mutual respect and understanding, respect for sovereignty and international law. These principles constitute the very foundation of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. At the same time, Cyprus’ steadfast commitment to the One China Policy, together with China’s consistent support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, has fostered a relationship of mutual trust and confidence that continues to underpin and strengthen our close cooperation.

This year represents a defining moment in the evolution of our bilateral relations, as we celebrate the 55thanniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and five years since our relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. These milestones are a powerful affirmation of the depth and maturity of our partnership and of our common ambition to elevate our cooperation to even greater heights.

I am pleased that our relations continue to develop steadily across a broad spectrum of sectors, including trade, investment, shipping, education, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. We particularly welcome China’s decision to grant visa-free access to Cypriot citizens, a meaningful step that will bring our peoples even closer by facilitating travel, business and people-to-people exchanges.

Looking ahead, I am confident that we can make tangible progress on several important bilateral initiatives, including the conclusion of the Double Taxation Agreement, the advancement of the Air Services Agreement, the finalisation of the agricultural export protocols and the reactivation of the Joint Economic Committee. These initiatives will provide fresh impetus to our economic partnership and unlock new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Cyprus also attaches great importance to its close cooperation with China within the framework of the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations. We remain committed to further strengthening our dialogue and cooperation on issues of common interest, particularly in addressing global challenges that call for effective multilateral responses.

At this point, I wish to express our sincere appreciation for China’s longstanding and principled position on the Cyprus Question as well as for its consistent support for the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. We particularly value China’s constructive role as a permanent member of the Security Council.

Under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the UN, efforts are currently underway to create the conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations. Cyprus remains firmly committed to a lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on the UN-agreed framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality, as set out in the relevant Security Council Resolutions and in full accordance with the principles upon which the European Union (EU) is founded. We count on China’s continued support towards this objective.

We also attach particular importance to the continued development of relations between the EU and China. We believe that dialogue, mutual respect and constructive engagement remain the most effective means of addressing common challenges and expanding cooperation in areas such as trade, climate change, connectivity and multilateralism for the benefit of both sides.

In concluding, please convey my warmest greetings to His Excellency President Xi Jinping along with my sincere wishes for his personal well-being and for the continued prosperity and progress of the people of China.

I wish you every success in the fulfillment of your important mission and I am confident that during your tenure the excellent relations between Cyprus and China will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Ambassador Yang, I warmly welcome you to Cyprus.