India, Cyprus pledge to strengthen India-EU ties, work together on Climate Change, against terror

New Delhi, Apr 29: India and Cyprus today pledged to work together to strengthen India-European Union Strategic partnership and also work closely on major global issues like combating international terrorism, dealing with climate change and promotion of sustainable development.

"The Republic of Cyprus, as a Member State of the European Union, reiterated its support for the strengthening of the India-EU Strategic Partnership based on shared values and principles and in line with the priorities set out in the India-EU Agenda for Action 2020. Both Leaders felt that India and the EU can work closely on major global issues, such as combating international terrorism, dealing with climate change and promotion of sustainable development," said a joint statement at the concluding part of Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades's four day-visit to India.

The joint statement said that President Anastasiades and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held detailed deliberations on various issues and both sides reviewed with satisfaction the state of play of bilateral relations, covering a wide spectrum of political, economic, trade and cultural issues. "They agreed that the long tradition of political collaboration at bilateral and multilateral level provide a valuable base to take relations forward," it said. Mr Modi reiterated India’s unwavering and consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. President Anastasiades briefed Mr Modi on the current state of play in the ongoing efforts to reunify the Republic of Cyprus, through a functional, viable comprehensive settlement, in line with UNSC Resolutions and EU law. Prime Minister Modi further commended President Anastasiades for taking several important foreign policy initiatives and thereby enhancing Cyprus’s profile in the international arena, the joint statement said.

On the UN reforms, both the leaders discussed the need for reform of the United Nations Security Council, including ways to make it more effective, efficient and representative of the contemporary geo-political challenges. "President Anastasiades re-affirmed Cyprus’ support for the enhancement of the representative character of the United Nations Security Council expansion with India as a permanent member in an expanded United Nations Security Council," the joint statement said. Both India and Cyprus also exchanged views on developments in their respective regions and on international issues of common concern, most notably the fight against international terrorism.

Both countries share the view that the successful conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism remains a priority and will be a decisive step to further strengthen the global normative framework that will support vigorous international action against terrorism, the statement said. President Anastasiades also extended invitations to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Cyprus at a mutually convenient time.