In a formal ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People, Koula Sophianou, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the People’s Republic of China, presented her credentials to President Xi Jinping.
The event marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations as both nations prepare to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 5th anniversary of a strategic partnership later this year. During the ceremony, Ambassador Sophianou expressed her dedication to deepening the “excellent relations of friendship and cooperation” that have defined the two nations’ history.
The Belt and Road Initiative: A platform to deepen Cyprus-China ties
Ambassador Sophianou has recently identified the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) not merely as an infrastructure project but as a “primary platform for Cyprus-China cooperation.” This alignment focuses on several key pillars:
Maritime Silk Road Hub: Leveraging its status as the third-largest merchant fleet in the EU, Cyprus is positioning itself as a “fulcrum country” for the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. This includes synergies in port management, shipping logistics, and the development of the Larnaca port and marina.
A Bridge to the EU: With Cyprus set to assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, the BRI serves as a mechanism for Cyprus’ facilitation of more rational and practical dialogue between Brussels and Beijing.
The “Digital & Green” Silk Road: Recent cooperation has expanded into 5G infrastructure (with partners like Huawei) and renewable energy, utilizing Cyprus’ abundant solar resources and China’s leadership in green technology.
About Koula Sophianou
A seasoned diplomat originally from the occupied city of Famagusta, Ambassador Sophianou brings nearly three decades of high-level international experience to her post in Beijing as outlined:
- Academic background:
Purdue University: Bachelor and Master of Arts with honors
Recipient of the prestigious Cyprus America Scholarship Program (CASP)
- Diplomatic career highlights:
1998: Joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Cyprus
2000–2003: Assigned to the Embassy of Cyprus in Athens
2003–2007: Served at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU, managing relations with the European Parliament
2009–2013: Consul General of Cyprus in New York, where she also served as President of the Society of Foreign Consuls
2020–2025: Deputy Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office in Nicosia prior to her appointment to China
- Recognitions: In addition to her diplomatic achievements, she was named Woman of the Year 2012 by the Pancyprian Association-WIN and received the Emerging Voice Award from Purdue University. Her deep expertise in the “Cyprus Question” and multilateral affairs positions her as a key figure in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of 2026.
