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08-06-2021 14:41

Address by the President of the House of Representatives, Dr Adamos Adamou, at the virtual forum on “The governance experience sharing for a common future: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of China-Cyprus Diplomatic Relations”

It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the kind invitation of the European University Cyprus to address this online forum on “The Governance Experience Sharing for a Common Future: Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of China-Cyprus Diplomatic Relations”, that is co-organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Cyprus and the European University. As we are progressing in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, hopefully, upcoming Conferences will be organized in physical presence.

I warmly congratulate the co-organizers for this timely initiative, as this year, which is the Chinese Year of the Ox, marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and China. Ever since, relations and cooperation between our two countries have gone from strength to strength, on the basis of common values and principles, mutual respect and strong solidarity.

May I express my sincere appreciation to H.E. the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Cyprus, Mr Liu Yantao, for his support and diligence in strengthening further China-Cyprus inter-parliamentary relations, building on the significant work carried out by his predecessor. Consistent dialogue and cooperation culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the House of Representatives and the National People’s Congress, in December 2018. The Memorandum essentially aims at shifting the focus from the predominantly cultural character of the current cooperation between our two countries to new avenues of strategic partnerships, particularly in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The Memorandum also reflects the common objective of the Legislatures of China and Cyprus to support the aim of achieving prosperity through transnational and intercontinental connectivity, that, aside the obvious economic benefits it involves by means of facilitation and enhancement of people-to-people contacts, can benefit our respective citizens and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.

Since 1971, China and Cyprus have greatly strengthened their bilateral bonds, generating the conditions for a prosperous cooperation in the political, social and economic levels. The House of Representatives values the continuous development of these relations, on every level and looks forward to their further enhancement.

For more than one year now, our world has entered a phase of fluidity and transformation. Instability and uncertainty have been further exacerbated due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its huge impact across the board. The need to uphold multilateralism is therefore all the more relevant and urgent. The current health crisis emphasizes our interdependent and interrelated world, stipulating for effective multilateralism, not only to recover from this emergency, but also to change for the better.

President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative launched in 2013, is by definition a global project, turning China into a protagonist of economic cooperation, trade and globalization. The Belt and Road Initiative aims, not only to promote international connectivity, but also to boost global growth and development, increasing mutual understanding, respect, trust and friendly relations between peoples and countries, thus signaling a new era in multilateral cooperation. Far and foremost, the Belt and Road Initiative reflects the vision of enhanced multilateralism, through building bridges between continents, nations and citizens. Not only political, economic and financial bridges, but also synergies, which further promote our diverse and rich history, heritage, knowledge and culture.

Evident of the Republic of Cyprus’ strong support of this project and of an ever closer Euro-Asian relationship is the signing of a number of bilateral Memoranda of Understanding with China in an array of fields. Cyprus believes that a comprehensive strategic partnership between Europe and Asia, based on common adherence to market rules and international norms and standards, will be mutually beneficial and will further reinforce economic, trade and investment relations between the two continents. We therefore strongly advocate that the Belt and Road Initiative could be to the best interests of Europe and its efforts to achieve sustainable growth. As per its location at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia – Cyprus provides an important geostrategic advantage as regards the successful implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative across all areas of its wide-ranging connectivity.

Global challenges require global solutions. In order to live up to the big and pressing challenges of our time, political commitment, openness, determination to embrace change, robust investments and genuine care for those who place their trust in us are of paramount importance.

Let us seize the momentum created by this virtual conference to discuss how renewed impetus can contribute to rethinking the foundations of the pre-pandemic world and pave the way for a post-pandemic world that is resilient, equitable, smart, green, inclusive and fair. Supporting multilateralism and enhancing international solidarity is the only way forward.

Before concluding, may I seize this opportune occasion to congratulate China for the successful landing of its Zhurong rover on Mars!

I thank you all for your attention and wish you every success in your deliberations.

(EK/ECHR)