NOTE ON AGREEMENTS
TO BE SIGNED DURING THE VISIT
Prime Minister’s
visit to Cyprus from 7-9th October is likely to result
in the signing of important Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding
in diverse fields, between India and Cyprus.
Memorandum of
Understanding in Information Technology and Services
Information Technology
is an area of renewed interest in Cyprus, which it intends to
develop as a third pillar of its economy, apart from Tourism and
Offshore financial Services. India is a natural partner in this
endeavour. Mr. Nicos Rolandis, the Cypriot Minister of Commerce,
Industry and Tourism visited India in April 2002 to get a first-hand
experience of India’s achievements in Information Technology and
other High Technology sectors. This MoU at Government level will
facilitate enhanced interaction in these sectors, which is especially
important given Cyprus’ imminent membership of the European Union,
its strategic location, and developed human resource base. Already,
several hundred software professionals and computer scientists
from India are working in Cyprus.
Memorandum of
Understanding on Co-operation in Science & Technology
An MoU has been finalized
between India and Cyprus to facilitate co-operation in Science
& Technology, with the possibility of commercial application
in this field. Cyprus is seeking to link-up with India’s achievements
in Science & Technology by offering Cypriot Business incubators
to Indian scientists. The MoU also provides for joint research
and development projects and joint ventures in S & T.
Executive Programme
on Cultural, Education and Scientific co-operation
The Cultural Exchange
Programme for the period 2002-2005, aims to revive the formal
mechanism of cultural exchanges between the two countries, which
had been lying dormant for the past 10 years. Both India and Cyprus
are ancient civilisations with rich cultural heritages. Regular
cultural exchanges under the framework of the Cultural Exchange
Programme will enhance people to people contacts between the two
countries and lead to a better understanding of each other’s culture
and history.
Agreement on Co-operation
in the fields of Posts and Electronic Communications
The Agreement incorporates
exchange of information and experience in the Posts and Telecommunications
sector to strengthen the existing postal services between the
two countries. In addition, emphasis has been laid on improving
electronic communication services by co-ordinating the use of
e-communication technology and satellite services.
Agreement on co-operation
in Public Health and Medical Sciences
The Agreement provides
for exchange of information on statistics, epidemilology and spread
of communicable diseases. Both sides will utilise the available
training facilities and the services of experts with the overall
objective of improving community health.
