Cyprus President Nicos Christodoulides today officially received, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, who has been on an official visit to Cyprus since yesterday, which ends today.

Welcoming the Prime Minister of India, President Christodoulides said that his visit also reflects the clear political will to further strengthen bilateral relations in a number of areas, from economy, trade, defence and security, technology, tourism, and connectivity.

“The Joint Statement we will adopt today on our partnership,” said Christodoulide,s “demonstrates in practice the new page in bilateral relations between Cyprus and India and more generally at the European and international level. Cyprus is a predictable and secure ally of India in a region of particular geostrategic importance, such as the Eastern Mediterranean, the wider Middle East. At the same time, it is an EU state that is India’s gateway to Europe, and within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, which will start on 1 January 2026, we will work to further strengthen India’s strategic relations with the EU.”

The Cypriot President thanked N Modi “for India’s enduring stance on the Cyprus problem and the effort to end the Turkish occupation and reunite the island”. N. Christodoulides continued: “At the same time, I want to publicly express the support of the Republic of Cyprus in your efforts to address both international and cross-border terrorism. As a minimum indication of the importance we attach to your visit to Cyprus, to the new page we are opening together concerning the cooperation between our countries and at the European and international level, I have the special honour on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus and the Cypriot people to honour you today with the highest distinction of the Republic of Cyprus.”

The Prime Minister of India was then decorated by the Cypriot President with the Grand Cross of the Order of Macarius III.

Accepting the honour, the Prime Minister of India said that “it is recognition of our rich cultural heritage and the philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which means ‘The world is one family’. I humbly accept this decoration on behalf of all Indians. I dedicate it to the friendly relations between India and Cyprus, to our shared values, and our deep mutual respect and understanding. This medal is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to peace, security, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and prosperity of our peoples. Your Excellency, I understand that this honour is a great responsibility to strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Cyprus, and I will do so. I am confident that our cooperation will reach even higher levels in the future. And together we will not only work for national prosperity and development, but will continue to strive for global peace and security. Thank you very much.”