Chinese officials request simplified visa procedures for Cyprus

Yao Fei, Minister Plenipotentiary for European Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently met with a group of Cypriot journalists in Beijing. During the week-long visit, which included travel to Beijing, Xi'an, and Yunnan, officials discussed bilateral diplomatic and economic relations, energy projects like Vasiliko, defense cooperation, green transition, and artificial intelligence. The Chinese representative stated that the current complex visa process for Chinese citizens acts as a barrier to tourism, discouraging travel to Cyprus. He expressed hope that authorities would simplify these procedures to increase visitor numbers. Additionally, the Chinese side proposed enhancing the tourist experience by installing signage, providing information, and offering interpretation services in Chinese at major archaeological sites and landmarks. The official also requested more promotional events for Cyprus within the Chinese market, highlighting the island as a safe destination. The discussions were facilitated by an interpreter previously employed at the Chinese Embassy in Nicosia.