It is my great honour and pleasure to welcome to Cyprus a good friend and colleague, the Foreign Minister of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Cyprus and India are linked by our parallel historical experiences, such as the anti-colonial movement and our common paths to independence. The excellent level of relations between our countries is also anchored in our shared vision of a world of peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
Today's meeting was a further confirmation of our excellent bilateral relations which have been further strengthened over the past 60 years of diplomatic exchanges between our countries. This solid cooperation continues to expand in a multitude of different fields and deepen at all levels. Contacts between our people have created a strong, long-lasting bond of friendship.
During our meeting, we had the opportunity to review the full range of our bilateral relations and to exchange views on a wide range of other international and regional issues of common interest.
We welcome the strong momentum in our bilateral cooperation, but as always, we explored ways to further strengthen our ties in areas such as trade, investment, shipping, tourism and education.
In this regard, it is our intention to continue our annual political consultations, which have been ongoing for the past three years. We believe that this mechanism of consultations between the Foreign Ministries provides a stable platform for dialogue, which facilitates understanding between us and enables us to coordinate our efforts.
Today we signed 3 important agreements aimed at strengthening our cooperation to effectively address issues of mutual interest. The Memorandum on Defence and Military Cooperation will help develop the relevant dialogue. In addition, today, with the International Solar Alliance Agreement, we are participating in a collective platform, together with a number of other countries, aimed at addressing an issue that affects the whole world, that of energy transition. We have also signed a Statement of Intent on Migration and Mobility, which demonstrates our willingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue with a view to reaching an agreement that addresses the issue of illegal migration and facilitates mobility in an appropriate manner.
We also exchanged information and ideas on how our countries can contribute more effectively to promoting peace and enhancing stability in our wider regions. In this context, I briefed the Minister on the trilateral cooperation mechanisms that Cyprus has established with partners in the Eastern Mediterranean region to promote synergies and mutual understanding for the benefit of all.
As a global power with an important and stabilising role in its South Asian neighbourhood, India sets an example with its wisdom and leadership to ensure that peace, security and stability prevail.
I take this opportunity today to personally express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for India's longstanding principled stand in our continued efforts for the reunification of Cyprus, expressed through your country's support to the UN Security Council, the Varosha issue and the resolutions on the renewal of UNFICYP's mandate.
The political obstacles that have arisen as a result of the partition of India are a historical example that serves as a guide in our efforts for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. As we have seen in the case of India, the partition of the country was only the beginning of a perilous journey and certainly not the end. Therefore, a two-state solution for Cyprus and its people cannot be acceptable.
In this regard, I thanked my Indian friend for his support in our efforts to achieve a viable and comprehensive settlement in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law.
In addition, I expressed my appreciation for India's substantial contribution over the years through its participation in UNFICYP, with military and police personnel. Cyprus was very fortunate to have had three Indian Commanders of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Cyprus - General Gyani, General Thimayya, who served in Cyprus until his death in 1965, and General Dewan Prem Chand, whose tireless efforts during the Turkish invasion to protect civilians, evacuate members of foreign diplomatic missions and protect the airport in Nicosia will never be forgotten. Given that on our island, we have one of the longest serving UN peacekeeping missions on our territory, we thank India for the service and sacrifice of its members.
We also talked about a number of regional issues, including the situation in Ukraine and Afghanistan. On Ukraine in particular, we expressed our concern about the serious political, economic and humanitarian consequences of the ongoing war and its global impact in terms of food and energy security. We agreed that it is necessary to intensify the efforts of the international community to reach a diplomatic solution that will end the suffering of the people and restore peace and stability.
Finally, we discussed the framework of EU-India relations, which over the years have evolved into a strategic partnership with both sides working together to address common challenges, promote peace and security, and effective multilateralism.
My dear colleague and friend Subrahmanyam, once again, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Cyprus. Happy New Year!
(MH/SH)
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