On November 26, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan held talks with visiting Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides of the Republic of Cyprus in Beijing. The two sides had an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on China-Cyprus relations, regional and international issues of common concern.

Tang welcomed Kasoulides's visit to China for the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He said that both China and Cyprus had ancient cultures as well as a traditional friendship. With the care of the state leaders and concerted support of people from different circles, the two countries have been developing their friendly relations and cooperation in political, economic, scientific, cultural and other fields, and have expanded the non-governmental exchanges as well. China hopes to use the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further promote Sino-Cypriot friendly cooperative relations to a new stage based on the principle of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, and friendly cooperation, through joint efforts.

Tang thanked Cyprus for its support for China on human rights, Taiwan, China's accession to the WTO and other issues.

On the anti-terrorism issue, Tang emphasized that the Chinese government resolutely opposes and condemns all forms of terrorism and opposes using terrorism as a means to reach political objectives or expanding the scope of anti-terrorism. China always supports and is actively involved in the international cooperation of the international community on the anti-terrorism issue. At the same time, the Chinese side believes that fighting terrorism should proceed according to international law including the UN Charter, give full play to the role of the UN and Security Council, and tackle the root as well as the problem itself. The Chinese government is willing to work with the international community to eradicate terrorism.

On the issue of Cyprus, Tang said that China sincerely hopes that the Greek and Turkish communities will work with the UN Secretary General and seek a fair and reasonable resolution to the Cyprus issue based upon relevant UN resolutions.

Kasoulides said that he was happy to visit China on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and China. The two countries have long been enjoying friendly relations. We adhere to the same foreign policies and share the similar views on regional and international issues, which have all laid a sound foundation for the sustained and stable development of bilateral friendly cooperations.

Kasoulides congratulated China on its accession to the WTO and reaffirmed Cyprus' principled position on adherence to One China policy.

On the anti-terrorism issue, Kasoulides said that Cyprus and China share similar positions on that issue. Both resolutely oppose and condemn all forms of terrorism and stress that fighting terrorism should avoid harming the innocent.

Kasoulides also briefed Tang on the recent situation of the Cyprus issue and stressed that the settlement should be reached based upon UN resolutions.