Cyprus and China signed here Tuesday a bilateral agreement for the prevention of the theft, the clandestine excavation and illicit import and export of cultural property between the two countries.

Chinese Deputy Culture Minister Li Xiaojie and Cypriot Communications and Works Minister Tasos Mitsopoulos signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.

The agreement tells the ways of strengthening cooperation between the two countries in relation to the prevention of the theft, clandestine excavation and illicit import and export of cultural property, like the exchange of information, relevant legislation and good practices.

Mitsopoulos said after the signing ceremony this is a very important moment for Cyprus. He noted that Cyprus has suffered serious damage from illicit transport and the smuggling of its antiquities.

Li Xiaojie described the signing of the agreement as historic, noting that it constitutes a landmark in the history of the two countries' cultural exchanges and cooperation.

Li said, "we will continue to step up our efforts for cooperation" and "enrich the cultural life of the two peoples."

The agreement between the two countries was initialed on May 8, 2008, and concerns Cypriot and Chinese antiquities from the prehistoric ages until the 20th century AD.