AKEL – Communist Party of China teleconference
AKEL C.C. Press Office, 18th June 2020, Nicosia
Delegations from AKEL and the Communist Party of China held a teleconference yesterday to discuss current international developments and the pandemic, as well as relations between the two countries and Parties.
The Chinese delegation was headed by the Deputy Foreign Minister Quian Hongshan and included other members of the International Relations Department of the Communist Party of China. The AKEL delegation was headed by Nikos Ioannou, member of the Political Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL, Vera Polycarpou, Head of the International Relations and European Affairs Bureau of the C.C. of the Party, and Marios Panayi, a member of the Economic Affairs Bureau of the Party.
During the discussion, the two delegations briefed each other on the progress of the pandemic in their countries and stressed the importance of international cooperation to stop and confront the coronavirus. AKEL expressed its gratitude towards the People’s Republic of China and the Central Committee of China for the support it rendered to the Cypriot people by sending protective equipment. There was also a discussion on the political and economic relations that are developing steadfastly between the Republic of Cyprus and the People’s Republic of China. AKEL also briefed the Chinese delegation on Turkey’s aggression against Cyprus and more widely in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Referring to international developments, N. Ioannou denounced the US government’s aggressive rhetoric and policy against the People’s Republic of China, but also NATO’s plans against the Russian Federation and the P.R of China, pointing out that the threat of the coronavirus should have brought the states of the world closer to each other, instead of confrontation and the atmosphere of conflict being enhanced.
AKEL and the Communist Party of China reaffirmed their excellent relations and pledged to strengthen their co-operation, including continuing – as soon as circumstances permit – the exchange of visits by delegations of the two Parties to Cyprus and China.
