NICOSIA — Chinese ambassador to Cyprus on Nov 8 demonstrated to an audience of Cypriot college students China’s progress made in poverty reduction.

“The Chinese government under the guidance of the Communist Party of China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty over the past 68 years of hard work,” said Huang Xingyuan, the ambassador.

According to Ambassador Huang, the achievement was hailed by the President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim as one of the greatest stories in human history.

The Chinese diplomat said eradication of illiteracy and poverty have been goals of the Chinese Communist Party.

“China has undergone tremendous changes, and the reason behind that is we invest in knowledge and education. Through decades of efforts, the Chinese government makes it possible for nearly a billion people to have education,” said the ambassador.

Cypriot Education Minister Costas Kadis was among the audience at the event at Frederic University in Nicosia, one of the oldest educational institutions of Cyprus, which has special relations with China.

The Chinese Embassy has given the opportunity to 20 graduates of Frederic to continue post-graduate education in China. Their progress was also presented through a photographic exhibition.

The Chinese ambassador also noted that Cyprus and China shared similar experience and sufferings, and the relations between the two countries are growing.

He called on the two sides to seize the opportunity now to promote education exchanges and cooperation.