India Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has reaffirmed his country’s support and solidarity to the efforts to bring about a settlement to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN Security Council resolutions.
Jainshakar who is visiting Cyprus, was received Thursday by the acting President of the Republic, House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou, who expressed gratitude over India’s steadfast and principled position regarding the Cyprus problem, highlighting that the Greek Cypriot side is focused on the resumption of the talks with a view to reaching a just and viable solution which would reunify Cyprus in conditions of sustained peace and security.
According to a press release issued by the House of Representatives, Demetriou briefed the Indian Foreign Minister on the escalating Turkish provocations against the Republic of Cyprus both in its exclusive economic zone as well as on the ground, namely in the fenced-off city of Varosha.
During the meeting both sides stressed the historic and close ties between Cyprus and India based on joint principles. The meeting stressed the joint will to further deepen the excellent relations between the two countries and the collaboration in a wide range of fields both on a bilateral and international level.
In this context the meeting highlighted the prospects of India’s participation in the bilateral and trilateral mechanisms developed by Greece and Cyprus with countries of the region, stressing the importance of the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation and exchanges between the two countries both as regards Parliamentary Presidents as well as parliamentary friendship groups.
Referring to the war in Ukraine, Demetriou pointed out that due to its past experiences, Cyprus is aware of the painful consequences of war and occupation and has stood at the side of Ukraine and its people from the outset based on the principles of international law, despite the significant cost for the country.
On his part, India’s FM noted the range of the relations between the two countries, saying that in today’s globalised world the term big or small country is obsolete, recalling that Cyprus enjoys investment activity in India well over its size.
According to the press release Jaishankar reaffirmed his country’s solidarity and support to the efforts to bring about a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN resolutions.
He also expressed gratitude over Cyprus’ solidarity to India and particularly its support to the relations between India and the EU.
Following the meeting, Demetriou on behalf of the President of the Republic, presented to Jaishankar a commemorative stamp issued by the Cyprus Post to mark the 75th anniversary since the independence of India and the 60th anniversary from the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
Source: Cyprus News Agency