Larnaca: India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, arrives in Cyprus on Sunday, June 15th for a two-day official visit, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 23 years. This visit comes in response to an invitation from the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a press release by the Presidency of the Republic outlined that upon arrival on June 15, President Christodoulides will welcome Prime Minister Modi at the “Glafkos Clerides” International Airport in Larnaca. The leaders will then proceed to Limassol to participate in a roundtable discussion with businesspeople from both countries, followed by an informal working dinner.
On June 16, the Indian Prime Minister is scheduled to receive an official welcome at the Presidential Palace, where a one-on-one meeting with President Christodoulides will take place. During this meeting, President Christodoulides will bestow the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III upon Prime Minister Modi.
The visit will also include expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries, with both leaders expected to give statements to the media. Discussions are set to cover a range of topics, including bilateral relations and strategies to enhance cooperation in sectors such as economy, trade, infrastructure, and investments.
Furthermore, discussions will touch upon EU-India relations, the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, regional issues in the Middle East and South Asia, and developments concerning the Cyprus problem. The leaders will also visit the Nicosia Municipality and tour the ceasefire line.
The visit will conclude with an official lunch hosted by President Christodoulides in honor of the Indian Prime Minister at the Presidential Palace, after which Prime Minister Modi will depart from Cyprus. Cyprus has remained divided since 1974 following the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island’s northern region.