Cyprus, India pitch for decisive global action against terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday strongly pitched for decisive action against states supporting, sheltering and sustaining ''violence factories'' in their regions.

During talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades also sought India's help in their reunification efforts as it enjoys friendly ties with Turkey that has proved to be a stumbling block in its process.

Anastasiades, who arrived in Mumbai on 25 April on a five-day visit, on Friday held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Indian prime minister will be hosting Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan tomorrow.

India and Cyprus also signed four agreements, including for air services.

''I had the opportunity of briefing PM Modi on the latest developments in the negotiations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, outlining the challenges we face and the stumbling blocks that inhibit further progress,'' Anastasiades said. Turkey does not recognise Cyprus, as a result of which the political reunification of the Mediterranean island is on hold.

''I am aware of your initiative to resolve the Cyprus issue. You have led from the front in trying to bring a new era of peace, development and security. Not just for Cyprus, but for the whole region. We wish you every success in your efforts,'' said Modi.

At the bilateral talks on Friday, Cyprus supported India's idea of an early reform of the security council. Modi urged Cyprus to enhance business and economic ties with India and said industries and companies from both countries can create greater trade links.

Modi said he had detailed discussions with the visiting Cyprus President covering the full range of bilateral relationship and also exchanged perspectives on important global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Cyprus is the 8th largest investor in India and hence the two countries have close economic ties. Last year, the two countries revised their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.

India and Cyprus have called for a global legal framework, particularly through early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, as part of a concerted global effort to end the menace of terrorism.

The two countries also agreed that there is an urgent need for all countries to decisively act against those states who generate, support, shelter and sustain these factories of violence in our regions

Given its location, Cyprus appreciated the threat that terrorism poses to the global peace and stability. India itself has been battling cross border terrorism for decades.

Cyprus also said it shares with India the common objective of bringing about an early reform of the United Nations Security Council. ''Both of us believe that a reformed Security Council, reflective of the world as it is, and not as it was, is necessary to address the range of complex challenges facing the world today,'' Modi said.