India hopes for comprehensive settlement in Cyprus

During talks with visiting Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said India stood for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.

The two leaders discussed bilateral matters and regional and international issues of mutual interest, Ministry of External Affairs said in a release.

"India and Cyprus have enjoyed a traditionally close and time-tested friendship bound by a common commitment to democracy, pluralism and the rule of law," it said, adding that the two countries have consistently extended support to each other in multilateral fora including at the UN.

Recalling traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Cyprus, the two ministers reaffirmed their common desire to enhance bilateral relations in all mutually beneficial areas.

Kyprianou briefed Krishna on the committed efforts of his Government for finding a resolution of the Cyprus issue.

He also expressed his deep appreciation for "India`s longstanding and principled support towards finding a just and lasting settlement that would lead to the peaceful re- unification" of Cyprus.

Krishna "reiterated that India stood for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus and expressed the hope for a comprehensive settlement based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation as set out in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions," it said.

Kyprianou also reiterated Cyprus` support for India`s candidature for permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council.

The visiting Foreign Minister extended an invitation to Krishna to visit Cyprus on mutually convenient dates.