President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides officially received Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Presidential Palace today, as the Indian leader continues his two-day official visit to Cyprus.
Modi arrived this morning at the Presidential Palace, where he was received by President Christodoulides whilst a military guard rendered honours. National anthems were played, after which the Indian Prime Minister laid a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III.
A private meeting between the two leaders followed.
Historic significance emphasised
Welcoming the Indian Prime Minister, the President said: “It is a particular joy and honour to have you with us on this historic visit, 23 whole years since the last visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Cyprus”.
“Your visit reflects the clear political will to further strengthen our bilateral relations in a multitude of sectors, from economy, trade, defence and security, technology, tourism, connectivity. We saw yesterday the intense interest that exists both from Indian and Cypriot businesspeople”.
The President noted that Cyprus serves as “a predictable and safe ally of India in a region of particular geostrategic importance such as the Eastern Mediterranean, the broader Middle East,” whilst being “an EU state that constitutes India’s gateway to Europe”.
Award ceremony
President Christodoulides awarded Modi the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, describing it as “the highest distinction of the Republic of Cyprus” and “minimal indication of the importance we attach to your visit to Cyprus”.
Accepting the honorary distinction, Modi said: “I thank you, the government and people of Cyprus for awarding me the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III. It is an honour conferred on 1.4 billion Indians. It is recognition of their strength and expectations. It is recognition of our rich cultural heritage and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which means ‘The world is one family.'”
Modi said he humbly accepted the decoration “on behalf of all Indians” and dedicated it “to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus, our common values and deep mutual respect and understanding”.
Bilateral cooperation focus
The President announced that a Joint Declaration on partnership would be adopted, representing “a new page in bilateral relations between Cyprus and India but also more generally at European and international level”.
He thanked Modi publicly for India’s longstanding position on the Cyprus issue and efforts to end Turkish occupation and reunite the homeland, whilst expressing Cyprus’s support for India’s efforts against international and cross-border terrorism.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and High Commissioner to New Delhi Evagoras Vryonides.
Extended talks between delegations from both countries followed.
