President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday signed a number of bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding on culture, education and scientific cooperation, merchant shipping, air services an agriculture.
Both leaders pointed out that today’s discussions and signing of the bilateral agreements, will help bring relations between Cyprus and India to a new level.
Speaking at a press conference, President Anastasiades said that the meeting today is yet another stepping stone in the countries’ common history and has offered an opportunity to take stock of bilateral relations, and explore concrete ways in which to take these relations forward, by identifying specific areas to work together to modernize the relationship and amplify the benefits for both sides.
He also said that the agreements he signed with the Prime Minister further enhance the long-standing relations between the two countries, and add to the extensive existing legal framework, which includes 16 existing bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.
“Prime Minister Modi and I share the assessment that our bilateral relations are excellent, and we have discussed ways and areas where we must further promote the cooperation between India and Cyprus in the economic, investment and tourism fields”, he said.
Cyprus President added that the two countries stand ready to explore enhanced cooperation in fields such as renewable energy, solar energy, information technology and innovation where India is a pioneer.
“Cyprus welcomes the participation of Indian companies in the development of knowledge-based industries, and I would like to extend an invitation to Indian companies to consider investing in a technological park in Cyprus, which will provide them easy access to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf Region”, he pointed out.
In his statements the President also said that the two countries will continue to promote their cooperation in order to contribute to stability, prosperity and security in the world and in this context, they exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, such as migration and conflict resolution.
On EU -India relations, the President said that EU and India share common values, in particular as regards the rule of law, democracy, multilateralism, free and fair trade and pointed out once more that Cyprus is a firm supporter of the enhancement of the EU-India strategic partnership and dynamic cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
He also said that they both agreed on the crucial importance of the EU and India working closely together, with a view to effectively tackling major global challenges, such as climate change, sustainable development, the protection of maritime environment and international terrorism.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, President Anastasiades said that he briefed the Indian Premier on the challenges we face and the stumbling blocks that inhibit further progress.
“ I underlined our unwavering commitment to reunify our country and its people, in a functional and viable bi-communal, bi-zonal federation, in line with UN Security Council Resolutions and EU law, values and principles”,he said.
He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Prime Minister, and the Indian government, for the principled stance and unequivocal support India offers to Cyprus in our efforts for a just solution, that will safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus. Cyprus, added, is also deeply grateful for India’s long-standing troop and police contribution to UNFICYP.
The President also announced that they agreed on the establishment of a ministerial working group, the work of which will reinforce and provide much needed political direction to the work of the existing joint intergovernmental committee.
In his statements, the Indian Prime Minister said that Cyprus and India enjoy close economic ties and that Cyprus is the 8th largest investor in India. He referred to the the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement the two sides signed last year, pointing out that India offers excellent investment opportunities for Cypriot entrepreneurs.
“ The industry and business in our two economies can shape attractive partnerships through the flagship programmes launched by my Government. The beautiful landscapes of Cyprus and the wide horizons of ‘Incredible India’ can be a source of tourism promotion in both our countries”, he said.
Prime Minister Modi also said that in 1974, India took a firm stand in support of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus and has contributed personnel to the UN Peace Keeping Force on the island.
He said that President Anastasiades has led from the front in trying to bring a new era of peace, development and security, not just for Cyprus, but for the whole region.
“We wish you every success in your efforts. Under your leadership, Cyprus has successfully overcome its recent financial and banking challenges. And, recorded one of the highest growth rates in the Euro zone in 2016”, he added.
The Indian Premier also said that India and Cyprus share the common objective of bringing about an early reform of the United Nations Security Council expressing the hope that a reformed Security Council, reflective of the world as it is, and not as it was, is necessary to address the range of complex challenges facing the world today.
On terrorism, Modi said that given its location, Cyprus appreciates the threat that terrorism poses to the global peace and stability adding that India itself has been battling cross border terrorism for decades.
“We agreed that there is an urgent need for all countries to decisively act against those states who generate, support, shelter and sustain these factories of violence in our regions. The President and I discussed the need for creating a comprehensive global legal framework, particularly through early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism”, he added.
The Indian Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the discussion and decisions taken will give a new direction and depth to the bilateral partnership.