Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, led a delegation to Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) on Oct 11.

Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, delivers an address during the meeting with Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, on Oct 11. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, extended a warm welcome to Demetriou and her delegation. Jia said that BFSU places great importance on the core role of language in connecting people's hearts, bridging cultures, promoting mutual learning among civilizations and carrying forward human values. 

The university has been committed to cultivating high-caliber talents with an international outlook and cross-cultural communication skills, and has actively engaged in cooperation between China and Cyprus in areas such as higher education, academic research and technological innovation, facilitating exchanges between students and scholars from both nations, he said. 

Jia emphasized the immeasurable value of youth exchanges in advancing social progress and enhancing international understanding, and expressed the university's hopes for closer China-Cyprus and China-Europe relations.

He stressed his belief that Demetriou's visit would deepen mutual understanding and increase opportunities for cooperation, fostering a bridge of friendship between ancient Chinese and Mediterranean civilizations.

Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, delivers a speech at BFSU on Oct 11. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

In her speech, Demetriou spoke highly of BFSU's engagement in boosting intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, understanding, tolerance and unity among different nations. 

She highlighted the role played by education in inheriting and innovating knowledge and culture, as well as in enabling the advancements in democracy, diplomacy and technology. 

Demetriou said she hopes that BFSU will continue its contributions to strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries. With growing interactions between universities, the younger generation and media outlets, she expressed optimism for expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, culture and politics, which will foster deeper friendship between the Cypriot and Chinese people and create a better future for humanity.

Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, and Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, talk with BFSU faculty and students. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn] 

Following the speeches, Jia and Demetriou held a Q & A session with BFSU faculty and students, where Demetriou answered questions surrounding art, civilization, tourism and women's development. She encouraged them to embrace challenges in their academic and personal lives, pursue their dreams and continue exploring new avenues for growth.

Students from the Greek language program at BFSU’s School of European Languages and Cultures perform a choral rendition. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

Annita Demetriou, president of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Cyprus, and Jia Wenjian, BFSU president and deputy secretary of the CPC BFSU committee, hold a painting with Chinese elements. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]

The Cypriot delegation, officials from the National People’s Congress and BFSU representatives pose for a commemorative photo. [Photo/bfsu.edu.cn]