President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris and China’s Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People`s Congress Zhang Dejiang reaffirmed on Thursday the long – standing and close ties of friendship between Cyprus and China, a press release from the Parliament said here today.

The meeting took place in the framework of Syllouris’ visit to China, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.

At the meeting, said the press release, the two sides expressed their common will to find ways to upgrade the already excellent relations, especially in the sectors of tourism, trade, renewable energy, research and education.

Syllouris thanked Zhang for China`s long-standing support to the struggle of the people of Cyprus, particularly as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and expressed Cyprus’ support of the “One China” principle, stressing that Cyprus is promoting issues concerning China in its relations with the European Union, the press release said.

“Stressing the ties of mutual respect and trust that Cyprus and China have had for decades, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People`s Congress underlined that these constitute an example of bilateral relations. He expressed his appreciation for the persistence of Cyprus and its political leadership in supporting the “One China” principle. He said that China would continue to insist in the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus”.

The two officials also discussed about China`s One Belt, One Road initiative and the prospects for Cyprus to participate in the project.

During the first day of his visit to China, Syllouris also met with the Wang Yajun, Assistant Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The President of the House will travel on Friday to Shanghai.