NICOSIA — China has tackled the coronavirus pandemic crisis effectively and in an "exemplary" way thanks to its centuries-old wisdom, an esteemed Cypriot academician said on April 27.

China managed to bring down the growth of COVID-19 infections to almost zero many weeks ago, and has offered a large amount of material help and expertise to countries suffering from the pandemic, said Costas Gouliamos, the rector of the European University of Cyprus in an interview with Xinhua.

He praised the important role the Chinese embassy in Nicosia has played in helping Cyprus cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, which donated part of the medical supplies sent to Cyprus from China.

"In every case, China is a shining example of a country which is applying social policy and social solidarity," Gouliamos said, noting that he has a lot of appreciation and respect for China and its people, the wealth of its philosophy, its big civilization and its history.

He said his country has done a comparatively good job in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

As of April 24, the total number of coronavirus cases in Cyprus rose to 810 with 14 deaths.