New Delhi: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at their meeting held here on Friday, agreed to elevate the relations between the two countries to a strategic level with deeper cooperation in defence and transport connectivity, according to senior government officials.
Noting that Prime Minister Modi visited Cyprus last year, the officials said that the “traditionally excellent relations” have now been elevated to a strategic level. “Over the past year, we have seen several important developments in our bilateral relations,” an official said.
“Cyprus is interested in strengthening cooperation with the Indian defence industry and also wants the defence industries of the two countries to work together. President Nikos Christodoulides is reported to have highlighted that the European Union is investing more than 150 billion euros through the SAFE instrument to enhance defence and security across the EU and its member states. Cyprus is eligible for 1.2 billion euros, and is interested in enhancing its military capabilities and exploring the possibility of procuring from India,” an official said.
The two sides agreed that the Defence Minister will visit soon to discuss defence cooperation and specific products of interest, the official said.