India's global diplomacy stature: Cyprus seeks help in Turkey issue
Evident of India's growing global diplomacy stature, Cyprus sought India's help in its reunification efforts with Turkey. India shares friendly relations with Turkey, which has been a stumbling block in the reunification. Ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's India visit on 30 April, visiting Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades urged PM Narendra Modi to ask Erdogan to end the "status quo" on the dispute.
India-Cyprus relations traditionally very close and friendly
The India-Cyprus ties date back to the time when the latter was under the British rule. India supported Cyprus during its independence struggle; diplomatic ties were established in 1962. India emerged as a reliable ally when it supported Cyprus during the 1974 Turkish Invasion of Cyprus. They also share good economic relations; during 2000-15, Cyprus was the eighth largest FDI investor in India.
India, Cyprus to further strengthen ties
To further bolster bilateral ties with India, the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades arrived in India on 25 April on a five-day visit. He held delegation level talks with PM Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also discussed areas of bilateral cooperation with Anastasiades.
Enhance business and economic ties: PM Modi
At the bilateral talks, PM Narendra Modi urged the Cypriot President to enhance trade and economic ties with India. They discussed other regional and bilateral issues and agreed on the need for all nations to decisively act against states or organizations that shelter or sustain violence factories. Both the countries signed four pacts, including one for air services and cooperation in merchant shipping.
President Anastasiades supports India's idea of early UNSC reform
Both Cyprus and India agreed on the need of early reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). PM Modi expressed India's appreciation for Cyprus's support to its bid for inclusion in the UNSC as a permanent member.
India and the EU "natural partners": Anastasiades on India-EU partnership
Calling India and the EU "natural partners", Anastasiades said it is now their task to see the relationship into full maturity. In support of the EU-India Free Trade agreement, he said it would maximize EU members' bilateral engagement with India in all possible economic activities. He added Cyprus and the EU stand with India as "staunch supporters" of a comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.
Challenges, stumbling blocks inhibiting progress in reunification
President Anastasiades briefed PM Modi on the developments in the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue. He also outlined the challenges and stumbling blocks that are further inhibiting progress. The northern part of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus has been occupied by Turkey since 1974. Turkey doesn't recognize Cyprus; hence, the political reunification of the Mediterranean island is on hold.
PM Modi's response to Anastasiades's request
"I am aware of your initiative to resolve the Cyprus issue. You have led from the front in trying to bring a new era of peace, development, security. Not just for Cyprus, but for the whole region. We wish you every success in your efforts."
