China and Cyprus pledged on Friday to support each other on major issues concerning their core interests and make joint efforts to enhance Sino-EU relationship.

Hua Jianmin, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), or China's legislature, expressed his gratitude to Cypriot President Demetris Christofias for long-standing support Cyprus has offered China on issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet.

Attaching great importance to relationship with Cyprus, Hua said NPC would like to step up all-tier exchanges with Cypriot parliament, which he believes will serve the two nations.

The senior legislator from China voiced his hope to continue to support each other on major issues concerning the two nations' core interests and enhance their friendly ties.

Hua noted that Cyprus, as a European Union state, has played an important and positive role in Sino-EU relationship.

Christofias reiterated Cyprus' unwavering one-China policy and expressed his appreciation for China's support to the reunification process of Cyprus.

The Cypriot president said his country will continue the effort to boost healthy development of Sino-EU relations.

The NPC delegation is paying good-will visits to Cyprus and Finland. They are also to attend a summit for parliament speakers of the Group of Eight (G8) and emerging economies in Italy on behalf of top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo.

(Xinhua News Agency September 5, 2009)