India, Cyprus call for decisive action those nation supporting 'violence factories'

Modi appreciated Cyprus's support to India bid for permanent membership in UNSC.

New Delhi, Apr 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades on Friday held a detailed discussion on bilateral and regional issues and agreed on the need for all countries to decisively act against states that shelter and sustain violence factories in their regions.

After the meeting between their leaders, the two sides signed four pacts, including one for air services and cooperation in merchant shipping.

At a joint media event with the Cypriot leader, Modi said India has always stood with Cyprus on crucial issues and firmly supports its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

Noting that they had "detailed discussion" on bilateral as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, the prime minister said, "We agreed on the need for all countries to decisively act against states that generate, support, shelter and sustain violence factories in our regions."

The two sides also agreed on the need of early reforms of the UNSC, Modi said. He also expressed India's appreciation for Cyprus' support to India's bid for inclusion in it as a permanent member.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Cypriot President and discussed areas of bilateral cooperation.

The two sides signed an executive program on culture, education and scientific cooperation for the years 2017 to 2020.

Both sides signed a work plan under a program of cooperation in agriculture for the period 2017-2018.

Another agreement was signed on cooperation in the area of merchant shipping. A fourth agreement was signed to boost air services between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, the Cypriot President was given a ceremonial guard of honour in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

PTI