Before hosting Turkish PM, Modi declares support to Cyprus

Just ahead of hosting his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoganğ, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India’s steadfast support to the sovereignty of Cyprus – a nation still not recognised by Turkey.

Modi hosted Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday. New Delhi rolled out the red carpet for him just before playing host to Erdoğan, who is set to arrive on April 30 and meet Modi at the Hyderabad House on May 1.

India and Cyprus signed two pacts – a merchant shipping agreement and an air-services agreement.
The meeting between Modi-Anastasiades was followed by signing of an executive programme on culture, education and scientific cooperation for 2017-2020 and a work plan under programme of cooperation in the field of agriculture for 2017-18.

“In 1974, India took a firm stand in support of the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus,” the prime minister said, addressing mediapersons along with the Cyprus
president at the Hyderabad House.

“Given its location, Cyprus appreciates the threat that terrorism poses to global peace and stability. India itself has been battling cross-border terrorism for decades. We agreed that there is an urgent need for all countries to decisively act against those states who generate, support, shelter and sustain these factories of violence in our regions,” Modi said.