I. Political Relations

1. China and Cyprus established diplomatic relations on Dec. 14, 1971.

2. China and Cyprus maintain friendly relations. Four Cypriot Presidents Makarios, Kyprianou, Vassiliou and Clerides visited China in May 1974, June 1984, August 1990 and June 1999. Two presidents of the House of Representatives Lyssarides and Glanos visited China in June 1987 and March 1992. Chinese leaders who visited Cyprus are Vice Chairman of National People's Congress Liao Hansheng (November 1988), Minister of Foreign Affairs Qian Qichen (July 1990), Vice-Chairman of National People's Congress Wang Bingqian (November 1993), State Councilor Luo Gan (June 1994), Vice-Chairman of National People's Congress Tian Jiyun, etc.


II. Economic and Trade Relations and Economic and Technological Cooperation

In February 1981, China and Cyprus signed Sino-Cypriot agreement on trade. In 1984, the two signed agreement on economic, scientific and technical cooperation between governments. The two sides also set up joint committee for cooperation of economy, science and technology. Sino-Cypriot trade volume was ＄81.21 million in 1998, among which Chinese exports to Cyprus accounted for＄80.59 million and imports stood at＄0.62 million. In 1999, China-Cyprus trade volume reached $102.534 million, including $102.01 million of China's exports and $524,000 of imports. The trade volume between the two countries in 2001 was US$117,610,000, of which the Chinese export was US$116,280,000, and import US$1,330,000.


III. Exchanges and Cooperation in Other Fields

Minister of Justice Xiao Yang and Minister of Culture Liu Zhongde visited Cyprus in April 1995 and November 1997.

2000

From 20 to 27 March, Cypriot Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs visited China. Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan met him, and Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding held political consultations with the Cypriot side.

From 8 to 15, Oct, at the invitation of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Cypriot Interior Minister visited China. Minister of Civil Affairs had a meeting with him.

From 23 to 26, Oct, Vice Foreign Minister Ji Peiding visited Cyprus. President clerides, Speaker Kyprianou and Foreign Minister Loannis Kasoulides had separate meetings with him.


IV. Important Bilateral Agreements and Documents

Sino-Cypriot Agreement on Civil, Commercial and Criminal Judicial Assistance (April 1995)

The Inter-governmental Agreement between China and Cypress on Mutual Promotion and Protection of Investments (2001)


V. Change of Ambassador

New Chiniese Ambassador to Cyprus is Song Aiguo.