India Looks to Strengthen Friendship with Cyprus During PM Modi's Historic Visit to Nicosia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed India's eagerness to strengthen ties with Cyprus during his two-day visit. He will engage in discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, security, and technology. Modi's arrival marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Cyprus in over 20 years. He shared his enthusiasm for deepening this friendship on X.

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Upon landing in Cyprus, Modi expressed gratitude to President Christodoulides for the warm welcome at Larnaca International Airport. This visit is expected to boost India-Cyprus relations significantly, especially in trade and investment sectors. The Cypriot president described the visit as a "historic" event and a "new chapter" in their strategic partnership.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that both nations will engage in extensive talks to further strengthen bilateral relations. He noted that the partnership is built on shared values and aspirations. Modi's arrival was marked by a special reception from President Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos.

At the hotel, Prime Minister Modi was warmly greeted by members of the Indian diaspora who chanted patriotic slogans. Sharing photos of this meeting on X, Modi thanked the Indian community for their affection and reiterated India's commitment to deepening ties with Cyprus.

Business Collaboration and Diplomatic Meetings

Modi attended a business event with President Christodoulides where they discussed ways to enhance bilateral partnerships in new areas. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos at Larnaca International Airport. Jaishankar expressed confidence that Modi's visit would strengthen longstanding bilateral ties and the India-EU partnership.

In a statement before departing New Delhi, Modi described Cyprus as a close friend and key partner in the Mediterranean region and EU. The visit aims to build on historical bonds and expand cooperation in trade, investment, security, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Upcoming Visits

During his stay in Nicosia, Modi will hold discussions with President Christodoulides and address business leaders in Limassol. After Cyprus, he will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, for the G7 Summit at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation. Following the summit, Modi will visit Croatia for meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Modi emphasized that his three-nation tour provides an opportunity to thank partner countries for their support against cross-border terrorism. It also aims to foster global understanding on combating terrorism in all its forms.

With inputs from PTI