President Hu Jintao raised a four-point proposal to enhance relations with Cyprus during talks with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Thursday.

 

The proposal included improving high-level exchanges between the governments, parliaments and parties of the two countries; deepening economic and trade cooperation; expanding tourism, archeology and other cooperation; and closer coordination in international organizations.

 

"We will take the opportunity of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Cyprus ties to upgrade the relationship," Hu said.

 

The Mediterranean island nation forged the diplomatic relations with China on December 14, 1971.

 

Hu said Sino-Cyprus relations had developed steadily and economic and trade cooperation expanded. The two countries had maintained coordination in international affairs.

 

Hu expressed appreciation for the support of Cyprus on the Taiwan issue and on its efforts to improve relations between China and the EU. He also expressed gratitude for Cyprus' help on the evacuation of overseas Chinese during the Lebanon-Israel conflict.

 

"Developing long-term and stable relations with Cyprus has been our consistent policy, and this will never change," Hu said.

 

Papadopoulos reaffirmed that Cyprus would adhere to the one-China policy and play an active role in improving Sino-EU relations.

 

He was thankful for China's stance on the Cyprus issue, vowing to strengthen the cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations.

 

After talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing ceremony of agreements on health and culture cooperation.

 

Prior to talks, a ceremony was held to welcome Papadopoulos who is paying a five-day state visit to China.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2006)