China, Cyprus identify priorities of cooperation

Cyprus and China have priorities for cooperation, mostly on infrastructure, according to an official statement released after talks here on Wednesday.

The talks were held between delegations of the two countries, respectively led by Deputy China International Trade Representative Zhang Xiangchen, and Cypriot Transport Communication and Works Minister Marios Demetriades, according to the statement.

After the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of Transport, Zhang said both sides identified several priorities for future cooperation, including infrastructure construction and services etc.

"We will encourage our companies to make the follow up work," he added.

The Chinese official said there has been a good cooperation this year between the two countries in the sectors of transport, communications and works.

He further expressed the appreciation of the government of China for the support by Cyprus of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Belt and Road Initiative refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road initiative proposed by China in 2013. The initiative brings together countries in Asia, Europe and even Africa via overland and maritime networks.

They also explored the possibility of direct flights between Cyprus and China by Cobalt Airlines, a new company registered in Cyprus.

Demetriades said that Cyprus can offer opportunities to Chinese companies and investors, mainly in the sector of infrastructure construction.

"China is a huge economy with a lot of capabilities," Demetriades said.

The Minister reiterated Cyprus's support to China's Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Endit