Cypriot President to hold talks with Indian leadership tomorrow

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, who arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport here this morning on a five-day state visit, will be meeting Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao before heading to the national capital for talks with the Indian leadership.

This is the first visit of President Anastasiades to India. Ahead of his visit, the President expressed hope that India can help Cyprus in its quest for reunification as it has close ties with Turkey.

Earlier in September 2015, he had substantive meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The visiting dignitary will travel to Delhi tomorrow where he will address a business forum and deliver a talk at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) the next day.

His other engagements on that day include a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee followed by delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Modi. Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also call on President Anastasiades.

India and Cyprus enjoy close, friendly and time-tested ties. On many global issues, both countries share similar views. Almost all Cypriot President's have come to India on state visits. Cyprus and India enjoy robust economic ties. Cyprus is a major investor in India.

With cumulative Foreign Direct Investment of above US$ 8.5 billion, Cyprus is the eighth largest foreign investor in India and has invested in areas such as financial leasing, stock exchange, auto manufacture, manufacturing industries, real estate, cargo handling, construction, shipping, and logistics.

-ANI