The way China, as a permanent member of UN Security Council, could contribute to the solution of the Cyprus issue, especially regarding the termination of the guarantees’ system and the withdrawal of foreign troops, was discussed, among other issues, during the meeting of the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The meeting was held in Beijing in the framework of the official visit of a Greek delegation, led by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to China.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. The latest round of UN-led peace talks is currently underway between the island`s two communities with a view to finding a negotiated settlement to reunite the country.

The existing system of guarantees, according to the 1960 treaties that established the Republic of Cyprus, provides for three guarantor powers of the island`s independence and territorial integrity (Greece, Turkey and the UK – former colonial power). Nicosia wants to abolish this system but Ankara is adamant her capacity as a guarantor power must be maintained. Both Athens and London have indicated the system is obsolete.

Kotzias and Wang Yi discussed also the prospect of creating an organization with the participation of countries with a very long history and great culture. He also said he had already brought up the issue to many meetings and that all 9 + 1 countries who will participate, had a positive reaction. Both parties, also, agreed to start all the necessary procedures immediately.

The two men also discussed international law and the Law of the Sea and the Greek Foreign Minister explained how the EU framework on this kind of issues works.