What to Expect from Cyprus Foreign Minister's India Visit?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Constantinos Kombos is visiting India for three days.
- Talks with EAM S. Jaishankar will focus on bilateral relations.
- Previous meeting at the UNGA highlighted ongoing cooperation.
- PM Modi's visit earlier this year was historic.
- Focus on resolving the Cyprus Question.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) Constantinos Kombos, the Foreign Minister of Cyprus, is set to arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday for a three-day diplomatic visit, as disclosed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday.
Throughout his stay, the minister will engage in discussions with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and is slated to deliver a lecture on Thursday.
Recently, EAM Jaishankar and Kombos met at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where they assessed the advancement of their bilateral relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Cyprus earlier this year.
"Always a pleasure to meet FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations since the successful visit of PM Modi. I value his perspectives on developments in Europe. We reaffirmed our commitment to a comprehensive resolution of the Cyprus Question based on the agreed UN framework and pertinent UNSC resolutions. Looking forward to welcoming him in India soon," EAM Jaishankar shared on X following their meeting.
PM Modi made a significant two-day visit to Cyprus in June, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over twenty years. During this trip, various agreements were established between the two nations. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides honored PM Modi with the prestigious Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
President Christodoulides further guided PM Modi on a tour along the ceasefire line in the historic city of Nicosia.
"Tour with PM Modi along the ceasefire line in old Nicosia. The signs of the Turkish occupation remain evident," the Government of the Republic of Cyprus posted on X alongside images of the two leaders in the area.
PM Modi's visit was particularly meaningful due to ongoing tensions between India and Turkey, stemming from Turkey's continued support for Pakistan. Ankara's acknowledgment of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—established in the northern region seized by Turkish forces in 1974—and disputes over gas exploration rights in the Eastern Mediterranean persist as sources of conflict between Turkey and Cyprus.