China closely watching efforts to solve Cyprus problem: foreign minister

The People's Republic of China is keeping a close watch on negotiations to solve the Cyprus problem, visiting Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang Yi told a joint press conference with Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides that China is pleased with the progress at the ongoing negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities and is looking forward to a mutually acceptable solution on the basis of United Nations resolutions.

Cyprus has been divided into Turkish-Cypriots occupied north and Greek-Cypriots occupied south in 1974.

Wang Yi and Ioannis Kasoulides led delegations at negotiations which covered a wide spectrum of issues.

Kasoulides thanked China for its principled stance on the Cyprus problem and its support towards Cyprus's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He also said that Cyprus reiterated its "one China" policy which it has been following and declaring at every opportunity in international fora.

Kasoulides added that during the talks the delegations gave emphasis on the practical cooperation and the strengthening of the friendship of the peoples of the two countries.

"The 'Belt and Road initiative' by the president of the People's Republic of China will play a central role to this end. Cyprus supports this initiative and will promote the connection of the Mediterranean with the Silk Route," said Kasoulides.

On his part, Wang Yi mentioned the prospects of cooperation between China and Cyprus in the sectors of shipping, port construction and the creation of industrial zones around ports.

Wang Yi had earlier an hour-long meeting with President Nicos Anastasiades, who later said in his Twitter account that they had a good discussion about the Cyprus problem, bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The Chinese Foreign Minister met also with Yiannakis Omirou, the President of the House of Representatives. Endit