Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus Zhou Yunliang at the China-Cyprus Spring Festival Celebration Gala 2026

On 9 February 2026, Mr Zhou Yunliang, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, attended and addressed the China-Cyprus Spring Festival Celebration Gala 2026. The following is the full text of Mr Zhou's remarks:

Your Excellency Kostas Koumis, Representative of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Deputy Minister of Tourism,
Your Excellency Nikolas Papadopoulos, President of the Democratic Party of Cyprus,
Distinguished Guests,
Compatriots and Friends,

Kalispera! As spring returns, the world is filled with blessings. Tonight, we gather here to celebrate the Year of the Horse. On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Cyprus, let me begin by extending sincere New Year greetings to you all! I also wish to express heartfelt thanks to the Government of Cyprus and the University of Cyprus for your strong support for this event. In particular, President Nikos Christodoulides kindly recorded a special video message, conveying New Year greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people.

At this moment of renewal, the spirit of a galloping horse is evident in the following areas.

First, China's development is charging ahead, imbued with vigor and vitality. Over the past year, China successfully concluded its 14th Five-Year Plan. Its GDP exceeded 140 trillion yuan, or about 20 trillion US dollars. The economy continues to move forward through high-quality development. Innovation-driven growth gains strong momentum, green transformation paints a vivid ecological picture, and openness and cooperation expand space for win-win outcomes. Chinese modernization not only benefits the Chinese people, but also brings valuable stability and certainty to the world. This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. We will spur our horses forward, further expand high-level opening up with greater initiative, share development opportunities with all countries-including Cyprus-and work together to create a better future.

Second, China's diplomacy is moving forward, demonstrating responsibility and commitment. Amid growing turbulence and transformation, the international landscape is approaching an important watershed. At this crucial historical juncture, China consistently stands on the right side of history, working with all parties to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Through the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, China injects stability and certainty into a world undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. We remain builders of world peace, contributors to global development, and defenders of the international order. We firmly advocate true multilateralism, resolutely uphold international fairness and justice, and oppose hegemonism and power politics. We abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, contribute the Eastern wisdom to global governance, and demonstrate the responsibility of a major country in safeguarding world peace.

Third, the China-Cyprus relationship is advancing steadily, fostering greater mutual trust and cooperation. President Xi Jinping and President Nikos Christodoulides both attach great importance to the development of the China-Cyprus strategic partnership. Recent years have witnessed the deepening of political mutual trust, with the one-China principle and the one-Cyprus principle deeply rooted in our people's hearts. Economic and trade cooperation has expanded steadily, with bilateral trade in goods reaching a record high of 1.44 billion US dollars last year. People-to-people exchanges are vibrant: the China-Cyprus-Europe Media Forum was successfully held, the China-Cyprus Sister City Alliance is flourishing, and more Cypriot friends are visiting China under the visa-free policy. As Cyprus takes over the EU rotating presidency in the first half of this year, it is highly hoped that Cyprus will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the sound and steady growth of China-EU relations.

Taking this opportunity, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chinese community, Chinese businesses and Chinese students in Cyprus. You have taken root locally, worked diligently, promoted Chinese culture, and contributed to the China-Cyprus friendship. You care deeply about our motherland, and support its reunification with the establishment of the Overseas Chinese Council for Peaceful Reunification. Going forward, you are expected to make even greater contributions to the national development of China and Cyprus and the friendship between our countries.

Friends,

Horse symbolizes progress and success. In the Year of the Horse, I wish our countries and peoples prosperous and secure! I wish the China-Cyprus friendship strong and vibrant! And I wish all of you happy and successful! Thank you!