IN his meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Saturday, Shanghai Party Secretary Han Zheng said China and Cyprus should build closer ties and strengthen cooperation.

He said China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative is inspired by the ancient Silk Road. It will bring the two countries closer in economy and trade.

Han said Shanghai is the economic center of China and a window on China's reform and opening. He believed the president's visit will help the people of Cyprus better understand a changing China and boost cooperation between the two countries.