NICOSIA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday stressed the close Cyprus-China relations while sending his greetings to China for the Lunar New Year.
"It is with distinct pleasure and sincere feelings of friendship that I join your celebrations today on the joyous occasion of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit, a symbol of good fortune, great ambition, bright future, wealth and prosperity," Anastasiades said in a video.
Anastasiades expressed his "most sincere and warmest wishes" for a happy, prosperous and healthy new year.
He stressed that Cyprus and China, both among the world's most ancient civilizations, share a strong and deep-rooted friendship that is time-tested and founded on a common adherence to international law and world peace.
Cyprus and China adhere to the values and principles of the United Nations and international law, both aspiring to safeguard peace, security and stability in their respective regions and the world at large, he added.
"During my ten-year tenure as President of the Republic of Cyprus, I am particularly pleased to attest that -- despite the geographical distance and notable difference in size between our two countries -- we have managed to embark into a new era of partnership with substantial geopolitical meaning," Anastasiades said.
He also noted that in the framework of the European Union, Cyprus has always emphasized the need for engagement and cooperation with China in addressing global and regional challenges.
"Cyprus will also continue to advocate working with Beijing in many different areas, such as trade and investment, sustainable development, food security, climate change and environmental protection, education," he added. ■