PM releases set of two stamps on India, Cyprus

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today released a set of two commemorative stamps marking the joint collaboration and friendship between India and Cyprus after the two countries held extensive talks on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in a wide array of areas.

After releasing the stamps, the Prime Minister presented the first set to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos who is currently on a five-day State visit to India aimed at enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in trade and economic cooperation.

The stamps, of Rs 15 denomination each, depict an Indian folk dance and a Cyprus folk dance.

Before releasing the stamps, the two leaders held talks for about 45 minutes on various issues including cooperation and trade and economic matters and also on issues including UN reforms and terrorism.

The Cyprus President, who is accompanied by senior ministers and a business delegation, is the fifth President of his country to visit India. All previous Cypriot Presidents have in paid State visits to India while Indian Presidents V V Giri and R Venkataraman have visited Cyprus.

Mrs Indira Gandhi also visited Cyprus in 1983.

Sources said a wide range of international and regional issues including terrorism, The Cyprus problem, democracy, the EU, UN reforms and Commonwealth co-operation came up for discussion.

The visiting dignitary will visit Agra, Mumbai and Bangalore before leaving for home on April 16.

In Bangalore, he will visit Infosys and interact with cyber experts.

India supports a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the U N Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus.

''India has consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. India hopes that a just and lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus,'' an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

The visit, at the invitation of President Kalam, is considered significant as Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and will, therefore, provide an opportunity to discuss the growing relationship between India and the EU and also support from the NSG to the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Energy agreement.

The spokesman said India expected the State Visit of President Papadopoulos to strengthen and intensify bilateral political and economic relations.

''India-Cyprus relations have traditionally been excellent and time-tested. Over the years, India and Cyprus have worked effectively together in various international fora,'' he said.

Bilateral trade between India and Cyprus is far below the potential. In 2004, Indian exports to Cyprus were 37.4 million US Dollars while Indian imports were 5.2 million.

Cyprus' membership of the European Union and its strategic location as a gateway to three continents open up potential new areas of bilateral economic cooperation.

There are significant possibilities for Indian participation in high-technology areas including IT, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals and R and D projects.

India's areas of core competence could dovetail with Cyprus' plans to develop its high-tech sector and knowledge-based industries as the third pillar of its economy.

Other areas of cooperation include financial services, tourism, construction and fuel-efficient automobiles.

India has consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. India hopes that a just and lasting solution will be found to the Cyprus problem in accordance with the U N Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Cyprus.

UNI