PRIME MINISTER’S REMARKS
TO THE MEDIA AFTER TALKS WITH THE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS
Following is the
text of the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s remarks
to the media after talks with the President of Cyprus at Nicosia
today.
"I am very happy
to be in this historic city of Nicosia. My delegation and I have
been greeted by the most exceptional warmth and friendship.
As you know, India
and Cyprus have historically enjoyed relations of deep-rooted
friendship. We share a commitment to democracy and pluralism and
a congruence of outlook on major regional and international issues.
The President and
I have had fruitful discussions on carrying forward our bilateral
partnership, exploiting the opportunities provided by globalization
and new technologies.
The five agreements
which we have just signed indicate some of the thrust areas for
future cooperation.
Mr. President, you
are involved in crucial negotiations to resolve the long-standing
Cyprus problem. India has consistently stood for the independence,
sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of
Cyprus. As your friends and well-wishers, we hope you will achieve
a resolution of this issue in accordance with your aspirations
and oas provided for in the UN Resolutions.
I also conveyed to
President Clerides our best wishes for Cyprus in the final stages
of its negotiations on entry into the European Union.
India considers Cyprus
a time-tested and valuable ally. We appreciate the consistent
support that we have received from India’s permanent membership
of the UN Security Council. Cyprus also shares entirely our perspectives
on countering international terrorism.
I hope this visit
and its follow up will impart a new momentum to our bilateral
relations. I would to like pay a special tribute to the personal
contribution of President Cleridas to the development of our close
and friendly relations.
Thank you".