On January 4, 2021 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a stopover in Cyprus on his official trip to Africa and met with Cypriot Foreign Minister Nicos Christodoulides at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said that amid the profound changes brought to the world by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Cyprus helped each other to tide over difficulties, which has further elevated the traditional friendship between the two countries during the fight against the pandemic. China believes Cyprus will finally defeat the virus, and will always stand with the Cypriot side to provide necessary assistance.

Wang Yi said this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between China and Cyprus. The two sides worked together to set an example of equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation between big and small countries. This tradition should be inherited and carried forward. The two countries have made good cooperation within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation. China is willing to work with Cyprus to build a green, healthy and digital silk road. China supports Cyprus's efforts of safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports appropriate settlement of the Cyprus issue in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. China appreciates that Cyprus upheld fairness and justice and offered valuable support on the issues regarding China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The mutual support and understanding between the two countries have consolidated the political basis of the bilateral relations and opened up broad prospects for bilateral cooperation.

Wang Yi said Cyprus is an important member of the European Union (EU). China regards the EU as a major force for a multi-polar world. Consensuses between China and the EU outweigh differences, as the two sides are cooperative partners, rather than systemic rivals. China and the EU should understand each other, respect the choice made by the people of the other side, expand common interests and enhance mutual trust. Last year, important progress has been made in the China-EU relations as the two sides signed the Agreement on Geographical Indications, agreed to build green and digital partnerships, and declared the completion of the negotiations for the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, which has injected new impetus for deepening the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and promoting world economic recovery. The China-EU relations should not be affected by external interference, but continue to advance towards win-win cooperation. He hopes the Cypriot side will play an active role in pushing forward the China-EU relations.

Nicos Christodoulides congratulated the Chinese government and people on their effective control over the pandemic and expressed his deep gratitude by saying the Cypriot people will never forget China's assistance for its pandemic response. The Cypriot government strongly hopes to further advance its relations with China, and is ready to work with China to make the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations a success. The Cypriot side strictly adheres to the one-China policy, supports international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and supports the EU in advancing its relations with China. Cyprus and China both advocate multilateralism and oppose unilateral acts. The Cypriot side always believes China's participation and support are needed to tackle global challenges. It appreciates China's impartial position with regard to the Cyprus issue.