Cypriots, as well as Indians, are well aware that peace is the most expensive commodity in our respective regions and we are also aware that, irrespective of how evasive the quest for peace and security seems at times, the guiding principle of our actions is to provide a better future for the generations to come, President Nicos Anastasiades has said.
The President delivered a speech on Monday evening at an official dinner he hosted in honor of the President of the Republic of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at the Presidential Palace. President Kovind is in Cyprus for a two-day state visit and in the morning he held consultations with President Anastasiades during which a number of bilateral agreements were signed. Later, the President of India addressed an extraordinary session of the Plenary of the Parliament.
During the dinner the Indian President said that the two countries are located in a challenging security environment, pointing out that both countries must support each other in the quest for peace and security. He added that India deeply appreciates the strong condemnation of terrorist acts by Cyprus and looks forward to closely working with the authorities to defeat and destroy this evil.
In his remarks the Cyprus President underlined that the excellent long-standing bilateral relationship is based on the shared vision for peace and democracy and on historical bonds of friendship, both at the government and the peoples’ level.
“The tangible proof of the affinity by the Cypriot people to the Indian spirit can be witnessed by the monuments raised and the streets named in honor of the legacy and achievements of Ghandi and Nehru, as well as to the brave UNFICYP force commanders who have served during very difficult times of the Republic of Cyprus. In this regard, I am extremely pleased that tomorrow another monument will be inaugurated in honour of the Indian musician, artist and Poet, Tagore, who was the first non – European to be awarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature“, he said.
The President also pointed out that he had productive consultations with President Kovind in the morning and that both governments have worked to bring the two countries even closer together and strengthen their cooperation, both at the bilateral and multilateral level, including the United Nations and the European Union.
“We have also signed Memoranda of Understanding in two important fields of co-operation and we also re-affirmed our determination to cooperate in the international arena to address addressing global and regional problems which require a collective response, such as counter-terrorism, the combat of money laundering, non-proliferation and the protection of the environment“, President Anastasiades said.
On his part, the President of India said that Cyprus and India are very special friends, have supported each other in the struggle for Independence and thereafter, on the path shown by our great leaders Archbishop Makarios and Mahatma Gandhi, continued to support each other for peace and prosperity.
He said that both Cyprus and India have a deeper understanding of each other’s culture and thought and the two nations have always been open and receptive to ideas, cultures and peoples.
“Our shared historical experience and sensibilities have drawn us closer as friends and as partners. Our relations are based on deep mutual trust. We both have been steadfast supporters of each other on issues of vital concern. India’s commitment to Cyprus and to its territorial integrity remains deep and abiding“, he noted.
President Kovind also referred to today`s consultations, pointing out that the bilateral agenda is diverse and expanding as both countries have a substantive and growing economic relationship, with investment and commercial cooperation, supported by close people to people contact.
Referring to the Cyprus problem, the Indian President said that he is aware that President Anastasiades is committed to seeking a just and viable solution to the painful legacy that has divided the country and the people for over forty years. “I am sure that under your sagacious leadership, a long-lasting solution will be found“, he said.
Earlier tonight the two Presidents had a walk-through tour of a visual exhibition, at the Presidential Palace comprising, among other things, photographs, stamps, press releases on the relations between Cyprus and India, their governments and their people, over the years. The exhibition was organized by the Press and Information Office.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Numerous UN-backed negotiations, aiming at reuniting the island under a federal roof, have failed to yield results. The latest talks under UN aegis took place in the summer of 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans – Montana.