Chinese President Hu Jintao met with President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias on Monday on the sidelines of the Beijing Olympics to discuss bilateral relations and closer coordination in multilateral affairs.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with President of Cyprus Demetris Christofias during their meeting in Beijing, Aug. 11, 2008. Demetris Christofias attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 8.

China and Cyprus enjoy all-weather friendship and partnership, said Hu. "China is willing to work with Cyprus to enhance high-level exchanges, expand cooperation in diverse fields and cement coordination within the frameworks of the United Nations and Asia Europe Meeting and in multilateral affairs."

Hu stressed China's persistent stand that the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus should be duly respected, and the Cyprian issue should be settled in a fair and reasonable way on the basis of relevant UN resolutions.

Christofias thanked the Chinese side for the support of Cyprus unity, and hoped the two countries enhance cooperation in trade and economic sectors.

He said Cyprus will continue its efforts to promote Europe-China relations.

During the meeting, the Chinese president called Christofias an "old friend of the Chinese people" dedicated to promoting China-Cyprus friendship. Christofias' visit to China last year as parliament speaker played a vital role in promoting cooperation between the two countries' parliaments, said Hu.

He thanked Christofias for the precious cultural relic he brought to China, saying it "embodies the profound friendship of the Cypriots toward the Chinese people".

Christofias, who attended the Beijing Games opening ceremony on Friday night, praised the opening as spectacular and something that only the Chinese can do.

(Xinhau News Agency August 11, 2008)