MoS Akbar to visit Cyprus

Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar will be on a three-day visit to Cyprus to review present state of relations between the two countries.
The visit, from March 30 to April 1, will also provide an opportunity for the two countries to exchange views on bilateral matters as well as on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
India and Cyprus cooperate closely at the UN, international organisations, Commonwealth and Asia Europe Meeting.
India has consistently supported sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Cyprus and a peaceful resolution of the contentious Cyprus issue.
The dispute relates to military invasion and continuing Turkish occupation (since 1974) of the northern third of the island.

"The main objective of the visit is to review present state of India-Cyprus relations in all fields and rejuvenate the historic friendly relations between the two countries," a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The two countries enjoy robust economic ties, with cumulative foreign investment of more than USD 9 billion received in India through Cyprus.
"A revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed November last year is likely to facilitate more foreign investment. There is a mechanism of Joint Economic Committee Meeting for discussing ways to boost trade and investment," the statement added.
During his visit, Akbar will also meet Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades, Ioannis Kasoulides, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demetris Syllouris, President, House of Representatives and Yiorgos Lillikas, President, Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.

Akbar will also address the business community at the Cyprus Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Nicosia, apart from delivering a lecture titled 'Balance of Power vs Pendulum of Power' at UNESCO Amphitheatre, Europa Building, University of Nicosia.
To promote appreciation of cultural heritage and understanding, the minister during his stay in Cyprus, will inaugurate "Konark Wheel", a sculpture gifted by India to Cyprus and installed at the Open Air Museum of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nicosia.