Source: China.org.cn    Published: 2015-11-10

Cyprus pledged on Monday to cooperate closely with China on implementing the "Belt and Road Initiative" aiming at connecting the East Asia economic circle and the European economic circle.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades told a conference in Nicosia called "One Belt One Road", that Cyprus as a member state of the European Union, offers very attractive benefits and opportunities for Chinese companies to establish their activities and production units in Cyprus.

The conference was organized by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cyprus-China Business Association.

President Anastasiades`s address to the conference was read by his spokesman, Nicos Christodoulides, as the Cypriot president was busy with preparations for a state visit to Jordan starting on Monday night.

Anastasiades noted in his address that he was satisfied with the fact that the seminar took place less than a month after he completed "a highly successful and very fruitful visit to China."

He pointed out that the "Belt and Road Initiative" of China establishes a new framework for cooperation and development and sets the ground for stability, peace and prosperity.

He stressed that the values of the ancient Silk Road are still contemporary and can play a leading role in paving the way for a better future for our peoples.

"In this regard, I have already stressed that Cyprus has many reasons to believe that the Initiative constitutes a great vision which provides the impetus needed to break the current economic stagnation by attracting investments, combating unemployment and addressing under-development," said Anastasiades.

To this end, he added the government of Cyprus stands ready to cooperate closely with its Chinese, Asian and European partners in effectively supporting this initiative.

Anastasiades said Cyprus`s position in the eastern Mediterranean makes it a key transit island of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Phidias Pilides stressed at the seminar that the scope and magnitude of this initiative is such that it can potentially change substantially the economic map of the world by accelerating the already happening shift of economic power of West to East.

Panicos Kaouris, President of the Cyprus-China Business Association, stressed that the purpose of the "Belt and Road Initiative" is to connect the emerging economic giant of China with its Asian neighbours as well as Europe, Africa and beyond through land, sea and air, economically, politically and culturally.