Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos held talks with visiting Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu in Nicosia on Wednesday, with both sides agreeing to further enhance the already robust relationship to a new level.

Papadopoulos spoke highly of the ties between Cyprus and China, who are "good friends and good partners" with mutual understanding.

Based on traditional friendship, he pointed out, the two sides in the past years have reinforced cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism and culture.

The president reiterated that Cyprus firmly sticks to the one-China policy. He added that Cyprus denounces all kinds of secessionist activities of the Taiwan authorities.

Being a European Union member, Papadopoulos assured that Cyprus will do its best to promote the Sino-EU relationship, just as it did in the past.

Hui, on his part, said that bilateral ties have witnessed fast development on economic and trade cooperation, while the mutual understanding and trust on political front have been reinforced.

He added that China wants to make efforts with Cyprus in widening the channels of bilateral cooperation and promoting investments in each other's country.

Referring to Sino-EU relationship, to which China has attached great importance, the vice premier voiced his belief that Cyprus will continue to play an active role in promoting the strategic partnership between China and EU countries.

Later on Wednesday, Hui held talks with Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Fotis Fotiou.

Two memoranda of understanding were signed to set goals of future cooperation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries and environmental protection.

Meeting the press, Hui described his talks with President Papadopoulos and the agriculture minister as "friendly, frank and fruitful."

On Cyprus problem, he told reporters that China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, will continue to make efforts towards a just and comprehensive settlement of the decades-long issue.

The vice premier arrived in Cyprus after a three-day official visit to Algeria. Cyprus is his second leg of his tour, which will also take him to Spain.

(Xinhua News Agency November 22, 2007)