Cyprus and China have enjoyed excellent relations in recent years, said visiting Cyprian Foreign Minister George Iacovou Monday in Beijing.

Iacovou told the Chinese press at Beijing's Cyprian embassy that he is very happy to see such close relations between his country and China. He said he hoped that his visit will push Cyprus-China relations to higher levels.

China achieved "obvious" and "successful" development in economy, Iacovou said. Cyprus's tourism is also "attractive" to Chinese visitors.

According to the minister, Cyprus imported goods from China with a value of 225 million US dollars last year.

"Cyprus would like to see closer economic relations with China, " he said.

Cyprus became a member of the European Union last May. Cyprus supports lifting the EU arms embargo against China and upholds the Anti-Secession Law.

Iacovou arrived here Sunday afternoon on a four-day official visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Li Zhaoxing.

During this China tour, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will speak with Iacovou.