India will continue its unwavering support to Cyprus, for its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity, India’s new High Commissioner to Cyprus Madhumita Hazarika Bhagat assured, presenting her credentials to President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades.
Bhagat expressed hope that “the resumption of structured and results-oriented negotiations, aiming at a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem, will start soon, aiming at a solution that will be in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, which will benefit all Cypriots and respect democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms.”
Receiving the credentials, President Anastasiades said “Cyprus highly values India’s principled stance and continued support towards our untiring efforts to reach a comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue, on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions on Cyprus, international law and the EU acquis.”
He reiterated his “sincere willingness and determination to continue working tirelessly to achieve a settlement reuniting Cyprus,” and noted that it was necessary for the Turkish side to show the necessary will.
“Regrettably, Turkey’s continued illegal drilling operations within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as actions and statements alluding to plans of the Turkish side for a potential opening of Varosha, do not only contradict the UN Charter and international law, but they also pose a threat to peace and stability in Cyprus and our immediate region and run contrary to the necessity of having a positive climate in place, conducive to resuming negotiations,” he pointed out.
President Anastasiades also referred to the bonds between the two countries and their shared vision of peace and democracy. He noted that Cyprus and India cooperate in many fields and expressed the will to further expand this cooperation.
Referring to the economy, he said Cyprus has made a remarkable recovery since the 2013 crisis and that public finances have been set and continue to be on a sustainable management path.
Presenting her credentials, Bhagat referred to the “very cordial and warm relations and cooperation” between the two countries and expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support towards India.
She also said “India’s five police officers and one army officer are currently serving in UNFICYP,” noting that, “in the current conditions, UNFICYP’s role is imperative in ensuring stability and calm and an environment conducive to the efforts to resume the political process” and that “India plays an important role in the UN Peace Keeping all over the world.”
The new High Commissioner referred to initiatives launched in India. She furthermore noted that “for the Indian community, Cyprus has become a second home, due to the high standard of the educational system and business-friendly environment in Cyprus.”
“The Indian community has increased to 7,700, and they are engaged in various sectors including shipping, banking, tourism, amongst others, and are contributing positively to the economy of Cyprus. The Indian community also comprises almost 3,400 students who are studying in Cyprus,” she said.
Regarding investments, Bhagat said the exchange of state visits “has taken our already excellent bilateral relations to a new height and resulted in the conclusion of many important agreements between the two countries.”
[…] Throughout Cyprus, a total of eight teams of the Committee of Missing Persons are conducting excavations, seven of them in the Turkish-occupied areas and one in the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus. […]