The Chinese government has decided to abolish visa requirements for Cypriot nationals, as announced by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting with President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, last night in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

According to a statement from the Presidency, following the meeting, Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated, “The President held a bilateral meeting with the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, during which the excellent bilateral relations, which are continuously being strengthened, were discussed. Within this framework, the Chinese Foreign Minister announced that China will now abolish visa requirements for Cypriot nationals traveling to the country, a tangible demonstration of the enhanced relations between the two countries."

Additionally, the President and the Chinese Foreign Minister discussed and welcomed the recent bilateral air transport agreement, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the two nations.

The Cyprus issue was also addressed during the meeting. Letymbiotis noted that as one of the five Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, China has consistently supported Cyprus and its national cause, based on principles and values.

President Christodoulides briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, including efforts made by the Cypriot side to restart negotiations and his recent meeting with the UN Secretary-General.