Akbar to visit Cyprus from March 30 to April 1

With a view to boost bilateral relations with Cyprus, Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar will pay an official visit to that country from March 30 to April 1, an official release said on Tuesday.

"The visit will provide an excellent opportunity to exchange views on bilateral matters as well as on regional and international developments of mutual interest," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

India has received over US$ 9 billion worth of foreign investment from Cyprus, a leading foreign direct investor to India.

On November 18 last year, India and Cyprus signed a revised double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA), which replaces the existing agreement signed in June 1994.

During his visit, Akbar would be meeting President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other dignitaries.

The Minister will also deliver a keynote address titled "A new era for business between Cyprus and India" to the business community at the Cyprus Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Nicosia on March 30," the release said.

He will also inaugurate the "Konark Wheel", a sculpture gifted by India to Cyprus and installed at the Open Air Museum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia.

In the last financial year, bilateral trade between the two nations has grown 40 per cent.

--IANS

rs/nir/bg