President Pratibha Patil concluded her two-day visit to Cyprus on Saturday with President Demetris Christofias reiterating his country’s support for permanent membership to the United Nations Security Council for India and backing India’s proposal for an early adoption of a comprehensive convention against terrorism.

The visit was also occasion for members of the two high-level delegations to review the progress of the 15-odd agreements signed between the two countries on trade, science, technology and cultural cooperation.

While the issue of proposed amendments in the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) did not come up during discussions between the two Presidents, accompanying officials later said India was only looking for more transparency in the agreement as it has with other countries and that the draft amendments were still “under discussion”.

President Patil, during her interaction with President Christofias recalled how foundations for the bilateral relations between India and Cyprus were firmed during an important exchange between former President Syprios Kyprianoua and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was installed near Parliament in 1972 and during the 1983 visit of the late Indira Gandhi, a street on which the House of Representatives is located was named after Jawaharlal Nehru. Also, the road on which the Indian High Commission is located has been named after Indira Gandhi.

“We are happy to see the realisation of aspirations of Cyprus in becoming a member of the European Union and in joining the Euro Zone. We see in these developments an opportunity to build on our economic and technological relations for the mutual benefit of out two peoples,” President Patil said describing Cyprus as a “steadfast friend” and a “success story” as far as economic development is concerned.

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