Seminar explores China-Serbia relations

China-Serbia relations Tuesday night, Cyprus Mailthe Chinese Embassy and the Cyprus Centre for European and International Affairs University of Nicosia.

The event focused on the Cultural Mirror project, which is Cyprus Mail and the Chinese Embassy, ​​highlighting the similarities between Cypriot and Chinese culture and setting an example of acceptance, respect and understanding.

Cyprus Mail CEO Freda Yannitsas stressed the importance of the project, saying it “is Highlighting the similarities between Cypriot and Chinese culture”

Culture, she added, is a “universal language that transcends many barriers, including language and geography.”

She said the aim of the project is to “share and promote our vibrant culture, further strengthen the ties between all the people of Cyprus and celebrate the diversity of the world.”

She then spoke about her recent trip to China, saying, “This visit has reinforced my belief that there are countless opportunities for cooperation between our two countries.”

“Cyprus and China, although different in many ways, share similarities in their deep culture, respect for tradition and commitment to progress. We have a lot to learn from each other.“Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, we can build stronger and more meaningful connections with China and the rest of the world,” she said.

Chinese Ambassador to Nicosia Liu Yantao also spoke highly of the “Cultural Mirror” project, saying that the project has allowed Cypriot and Chinese cultures to find common ground and solidarity, allowing people to “explore the deep ties between the two countries.”

He added that Cyprus-China relations can be summed up in four common areas: continuity, innovation, inclusiveness and the prospects for peace between the two countries.

He said “Continuity” reflects the two countries’ “political pursuit of unity” and moral interests“Innovation” means that both countries adapt to the changes of the times while maintaining their traditional interests.

He said “inclusiveness” was reflected in their embrace of modern multiculturalism and the cultural “melting pot”.

When talking about the issue of peace, he said that both China and Cyprus are “peace-loving”, and mentioned that the olive tree, a symbol of peace, “can be seen everywhere in Cyprus.”

With this in mind, he said China was determined to “stand on the right side of history” and that its relationship with Cyprus highlighted its “commitment to all relationships, big and small”.

In addition, he mentioned that China attended the Nicosia Book Festival as the “Guest of Honor” last October and expressed China’s intention to conduct cultural exchanges with Cyprus through the Global Civilization Initiative.

Andreas Theophanos, head of the UN’s political and governance department, said that as a Cypriot he was “flattered” by China’s attention to Cyprus and expressed hope that the deepening of relations between the two countries would lead to greater support for Cyprus in the UN Security Council.

He also touched on the theme of continuity and said that while no country has “permanent friends”, each country must have a “minimum list of principles” that should guide every country, including Cyprus, “Optimism about the paradigm shift in modern international relations”.

At the end of the event, the panel answered questions from the audience, and Liu Xiaoming said that China is now a “Chinese-style democracy” and that to define modern democracy, one must consider “different aspects of the decision-making process.”

He also stressed the importance of domestic political continuity, saying China implements “Five-Year Plan” to promote domestic developmentthe 14th such program is currently being implemented.

He said the plans were formulated and implemented “in the fundamental interests of our people.”

Finally, he returned to the issue of international relations, saying that the Chinese government hopes to play a “positive role” in resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine and the serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza, while also Praise for Cyprus Amalthea Maritime Humanitarian Aid Corridor.