Nicosia [Cyprus]: The sixth India-Cyprus Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) were held on November 26 in Nicosia, co-chaired by Ambassador Arun Sahu, Additional Secretary (Central Europe), and Thessalia Salina Shambos, Political Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared updates about the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the comprehensive discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties.
The 6th India-Republic of Cyprus FoC was held in Nicosia today. Co-chaired by Additional Secy (Central Europe) @AmbArunSahu and Political Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus @ThsShambos.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 26, 2024
They reviewed the bilateral relationship including political, trade, economic,… pic.twitter.com/dxEoKvjKt7
In its statement, the MEA revealed that the consultations covered a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, research and innovation, digitalization, connectivity, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also explored opportunities in renewable energy, fintech, start-ups, and technology, alongside exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Ambassador Sahu also held separate meetings with Ambassador Andreas S Kakouris, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, and Georgios Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy. These discussions further emphasized avenues for collaboration in innovation and digital transformation.
The MEA stated that both countries agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi at mutually convenient dates, underscoring their commitment to deepening cooperation.
India and Cyprus share a historically strong relationship, shaped by shared values such as the fight against colonialism, a commitment to democracy, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his first visit to Cyprus, noted:
“The India-Cyprus partnership is one of immense importance and rooted in shared values of democracy, diversity, pluralism, and respect for law. The strategic aspects of the relationship have gained a new meaning in recent years, reflected in our bilateral engagements.”
The successful conclusion of high-level engagements in Nicosia reflects the growing strategic significance of the India-Cyprus relationship.