Nicosia: Chinese authorities are advocating for streamlined visa procedures to facilitate travel to Cyprus, aiming to boost tourism to the island. This announcement came from a top official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during a meeting with a group of Cypriot journalists in Beijing.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the visit by the press delegation, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, spanned a week and included stops in Beijing, Xi'an, and Weinan. Yao Fei, Minister Counsellor of the Department of European Affairs, briefed the journalists on topics such as diplomatic relations, economic growth, and potential collaborations in defense and technology, as well as domestic issues like traffic congestion and pollution management.
Yao emphasized that complex visa processes deter potential tourists and expressed hope for measures to simplify the procedure. He also highlighted the importance of Chinese-language signs at tourist sites and advocated for promotional events in China to attract visitors to Cyprus. Moreover, discussions on establishing direct flights were mentioned, with a memorandum of understanding already signed in 2024.
On the topic of defense cooperation, Yao noted that while the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Defense Ministry, the goal of any collaboration should be global security. Regarding the Vassiliko energy project, Deputy Director Xao Changyin acknowledged the halted agreement with the Chinese CPP-METRON Consortium Ltd, emphasizing ongoing support for dialogue and negotiations.
Yao also conveyed China's interest in sharing expertise for development projects in Cyprus, encouraging mutual funding initiatives. He noted the bright prospects for cooperation, contingent on finding common ground on specific issues.
Addressing traffic and pollution, Yao described China's initiatives to promote electric vehicles and green development through incentives, aiming to tackle Beijing's significant congestion challenges. He also discussed China's economic growth, highlighting a 5% increase in the first quarter of 2026 and the country's strategic five-year plans focusing on middle-class expansion and economic extroversion.
The meeting also touched on bilateral relations, celebrating the 55th anniversary of China-Cyprus diplomatic ties. Yao reiterated China's support for Cyprus on the international stage and emphasized the enduring partnership between the two nations, marked by mutual trust and cooperation across various sectors.