EAM Jaishankar stated that India supports a Bi-communal, Bi-zonal federation based on UN resolutions

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reaffirmed India's consistent stance on the Cyprus issue and voiced support for a Bi-communal, Bi-zonal federation based on UN resolutions.

Speaking at a news conference in Nicosia alongside his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides on Thursday, the External Affairs Minister said they had "very productive discussions on our bilateral relations, on our multilateral cooperation, on geopolitical & regional challenges".

Reaffirming India's stand on the Cyprus issue, he said, "I take this opportunity to reiterate our principled position on the Cyprus issue. India reiterates its commitment to a bicommunal, bizonal federation based on UN resolutions as the solution to the Cyprus issue."

For those who are unaware, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots have been at odds for decades. Recent reports indicate that tensions between Greece and Turkey over the split island of Cyprus appear to be rising.

During their meeting, the two ministers exchanged views on their respective neighbourhoods, on the Indo-Pacific, on the Middle East (West Asia), on Europe, and on India-EU relations. "I must say it was the exchange of views for something I valued very greatly," EAM Jaishankar remarked.

Pointing out that "today's meeting demonstrates our commitment towards deepening our bilateral cooperation," he said the India-Cyprus partnership is one of immense importance.

"It is rooted in our shared values of democracy, diversity, pluralism and respect for law. The strategic aspects of the relationship have gained a new meaning in recent years, reflected in our bilateral engagements. The exchange of views on the various crucial challenges facing the international community today was particularly useful. In growing our own ties and working with other partners, we are both guided by shared values and common principles," EAM Jaishankar remarked.

Referring to India taking on
the presidency of the G-20 on December 1 this year, he said it was India’s endeavor to involve as many countries as possible. India would also aim to steer the conversation in the G-20 towards equitable and sustainable growth, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), women empowerment, digital public infrastructure and technology enabled development in health, agriculture, education as also in skill-mapping, culture, tourism and other areas.

India and Cyprus also signed a number of important agreements. One of them was the MoU on Defence and Military Cooperation between the two countries.

"The second is the Letter of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership which we believe will provide a common framework of arrangement and cooperation to facilitate the mobility of students, academics, business people & professionals and it will also help in combating irregular migration," EAM Jaishankar said.

He also welcomed the Signing of the Framework Agreement on International Solar Alliance by Cyprus.