Cyprus and China sign MoU and bilateral aviation agreement

A Memorandum of Understanding and a bilateral aviation agreement between Cyprus and China in the field of air transport which provides for further liberalisation of flights between the two countries have been signed by Director of the Civil Aviation Department, Panayiota Demetriou and the Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Han Ju at the offices of the Civil Aviation Department in Nicosia.

Ambassador of China to Cyprus, Liu Yantao, who attended the signing ceremony, expressed his warm congratulations for the successful signing and initialing of the agreement, saying that "it is an important achievement and good news for China-Cyprus relations."

He pointed out that with these joint efforts between China and Cyprus, there will be further development in terms of tourism, economy, trade and cooperation in the aviation sector expressing confidence that "our strategic partnership will go a further step forward."

Demetriou said that "the signing of this agreement is a product of long negotiations we had with the Chinese authorities. It is very important because it paves the way for flights between the two countries". She added that this will provide an opportunity for both tourism and business development.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, as part of the Ministry's actions to enhance Cyprus' air connectivity, Demetriou, following the authorisation of the Council of Ministers, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ju and initialed a bilateral aviation agreement in the field of air transport that provides for further liberalisation of flights between the two countries.

It is added that the new aviation agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and the People's Republic of China, provides for multiple designation of European and Chinese carriers (multiple designation) with two optional airports in China.

In addition, it is noted that carriers will be able to operate third and fourth freedom aviation rights with up to 35 weekly flights, as well as fifth freedom aviation rights with up to 35 weekly flights to four optional areas between or beyond the two countries.